Glen Alan Denk

Glen Alan Denk, age 75 of Mondovi, WI  passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 17, 2023, after living with Lewy body dementia for a couple years.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

On June 6, 1947, Glen was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin to Arnold and Virginia Denk. The Denks resided on a small dairy farm in Auburndale. Glen graduated from Auburndale High School in 1965. He attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where he was very determined in his studies and actively involved in campus life. Glen was a charter member of the Alpha Psi chapter of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, which was officially chartered on the campus in 1967. He hung the club's first sign outside; a picture of that event remains in the fraternity house. Glen graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education and an Industrial Arts minor. On June 28, 1969, Glen married the love of his life, Vicki Ann Stoflet.

Glen began teaching vocational agriculture and industrial education classes at Auburndale High School, as well as evening classes for adults through Mid-State Technical College. He completed his Master of Science degree in School Administration at Winona State University. He served as principal in Auburndale from 1973-84. In 1984, Glen and Vicki, along with their four children, moved to Mondovi, their forever home. He worked as a Superintendent of Schools in Gilmanton, Mondovi, and Wauzeka-Steuben, sharing his deep knowledge of budgeting and legal issues. With his expertise, Glen championed multiple referendums and his wisdom kept these schools in good financial standing. He taught graduate-level courses in Wisconsin School Finance and School Business Management at Winona State University. Glen proudly worked in education for 50 years until retiring in 2021.  Glen joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1970. He trained at Ft. Knox and Ft. Sill, where he was awarded the Master Gunner Award at the US Army Field Artillery School. In his dedicated service as a Personnel Officer, he was in charge of over 5,000 troops during the REFORGER, Return of Forces to Germany, exercise. In Germany, Glen advocated for women’s rights, ensuring women were fully integrated and given meaningful jobs in the unit. Out of an elite group of officer candidates, Glen was selected for promotion to General Officer. This promotion required a year of out-of-state training. Glen decided to forego this opportunity because he felt his extended absence would be unfair to the school district. After serving 20 years in the Army National Guard, he retired as a Major in 1990.

Another of Glen’s passions was being outdoors. He liked farming crops with his family, as well as deer hunting, fishing, boating, and participating in a variety of backyard sports. He loved watching his children and grandchildren in their sports and extracurricular activities. He enjoyed spending time with his family as they traveled throughout the U.S., Canada, and Italy.

Glen was a loving, caring, fair, hard-working person who stood up for what was right. He was a lifelong Lutheran, active in the church, serving in many roles including congregation president. He was a member of the Lion’s Club and VFW. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who had the honor of knowing him. He is survived by his wife, Vicki, and children: Denise (Shawn) Steene, Mark (Tammy) Denk, Renee (Jay) Weber, and Shauna (Kirk) Brion, as well as his grandchildren: Katherine, George, and Henry Steene; Ann (Joe) Schmidtknecht, Brad, and Casey Denk; Kalista, Caden, and Braxton Weber; Laken, Leif, and Braea Brion; great grandchild: Marley Schmidtknecht; and brother, Dale Denk. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Gathering for family and friends will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church, Mondovi, WI. The service will begin at 3:00 PM with Pastor Scott Johnson officiating; a meal will follow the service. Inurnment will be at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.  Talbot Family Funeral Homes-Scenic Rivers Cremation Center of Mondovi assisted the family.  www.talbotfuneralhomes.com