Glenn Allen Moilanen

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Glenn Allen Moilanen, age 72, of Herman, MI went to be with the Lord on January 11, 2013. Glenn was born on December 29, 1940 in L'Anse, MI, the son of Waino and Ingrid Moilanen. Glenn was raised in Herman and attended L'Anse High School, graduating in 1958. He attended Michigan Technological University for 2 A½ years studying electrical engineering before joining the United States Navy.

Glenn became a communications technician in Naval Security with the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class serving in Alaska and Puerto Rico from 1960-1964 during the Vietnam War. Glenn joined the technical team of Xerox Corporation in 1964 and serviced Xerox Copiers in the Detroit area for six years before moving to Iron River. Glenn repaired copiers across the Western Upper Peninsula to complete 30 years of service in 1994. After retirement Glenn went for his builder's license and assisted his brother, Wayne, in his construction business to install Vinyl Pro windows in the area.

In 1965 Glenn married Elvy Jean Smith and they had two children- Philip Scott born January 19, 1967 and Terri Marie born September 26, 1970. In 1987 Glenn married Doris Vivian (Leppanen) Matero and returned to live in Herman in 1992 shortly before Vivian passed away.

In 2002 Glenn met Bonnie (Lydman) Berggren, a former classmate, at a 45th class reunion and they were married March 7, 2003. Bonnie was a full time staff member of Campus Crusade for Christ living in Madison, WI. She retired and Glenn joined her as a volunteer on mission teams traveling to Beijing, China, Seoul, Korea, Maritius Island and Nairobi, Kenya. Glenn and Bonnie frequently entertained international students in their home and continue to keep in touch with many people from other nations. Glenn's gentle spirit and kind heart were appreciated by young and old.

Glenn was an active member of the Iron River J.C's, serving as president, and of the L'Anse Eagles Club, serving as President, Vice President and Chaplain. He is currently a member of the L'Anse Baptist Church and the American Legion.

Though Glenn traveled for many years for his work, he still enjoyed traveling. Glenn and Bonnie made frequent road trips and flights for visits to family and for clinical trials for Glenn's cancer, which he battled for 4 A½ years. Glenn was a whiz at fixing things, loved puzzles, crosswords and reading. He read an average of 1 book a day and especially enjoyed old westerns.

Glenn, a devoted husband, father and grandfather is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie, of Herman, MI. Glenn has one daughter, Terri Marie Qualls (Jesse) of Burlington, NC and five step-children, Mikko Matero (Belinda), Timmo Matero of Ohio, Grant Berggren (Patricia) of Madison, WI, Rex Berggren of Alexandria, VA and Konnie Barker (Dennis) of Chico, CA. Glenn has one granddaughter, Savannah Qualls of Burlington, NC and step-grandchildren include Karissa, Joseph, Jacob and Katie Berggren of Madison, WI, Jessica, Luke and Tim Berggren of Alexandria, VA and Katelyn and Daniel Schneider of Chico, CA. Glenn is survived by his sister Lora Murray of Hudson, MI and four brothers, James Moilanen (Linda) of Chula Vista, CA, Wayne Moilanen (Catherine) of Marquette, MI, Jack Moilanen of Herman and Lou Moilanen of L'Anse. Glenn is also survived by his 94 year old step-mother, Erma Lydman Schaedig of L'Anse and several step-sisters and brothers.

Glenn has numerous nieces and nephews including Matthew Moilanen, Erika Solanen (Terry), Karyn Juntinen, Aaron Moilanen (Jennifer), Krista McBride (Timothy) and Tyler and Emily Moilanen and many more extended family too numerous to mention.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Waino and Ingrid Moilanen, his wife, Vivian Matero Moilanen, his son, Philip Moilanen and his sister Ingrid Christine Moilanen.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 18th from 4-7 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home and on Saturday from 1-2:00 p.m. at the L'Anse Baptist Church. The funeral will be on Saturday, January 19th at 2:00 p.m. at the L'Anse Baptist Church. Rev. Jerry Bishop will officiate. Burial will be in the Herman Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers a memorial in Glenn's honor is being established for indigent pastors in Nairobi, Kenya, where Glenn and Bonnie have continued to serve in ministry.

Friends may sign Glenn's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.