Funeral Service for Glenn Warren Smith, 88 of Sisseton, SD will be held on Friday, December 28, 2012, at 11:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Sisseton, SD, with Rev. Mark Terayama officiating. Organist will be Ember Dady with special music by Glenn's Grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Glenn's Grandchildren. Military Rites will be provided by the Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50 and Fort Sisseton VFW Post #3342. Inurnment will be in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD at a later date. There will be visitation on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the Cahill Funeral Chapel from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with a Celebration of Life Service at 7:00 P.M.
Glenn Warren Smith was born November 29, 1924, in Seneca, SD to J. Warren and Alta (McGrath) Smith. He attended school in Faulkton, SD, until his family moved to Veblen, then on to Sisseton, where he graduated in 1942. After graduation, Glenn went to Milwaukee, WI, where he worked for a short time before enlisting in the US Army Air Corp. He served in the Air Corp from November 17, 1943, and was scheduled to be shipped overseas when the War ended August 15, 1945. He was honorably discharged on November 8, 1945. He trained and served as a B-29 Superfortress Flight Engineer. Following his service, Glenn worked for his dad. Together, they started an auto repair business known as Sisseton Motor Clinic, which was sold in 1947 due to Warren's health.
Glenn and Norma Hagen were united in marriage on December 14, 1947, in the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Leslie Lewis officiating. Glenn, with equipment from Sisseton Motor Clinic, began working at Hagen Brothers Garage as a mechanic. He successfully converted his first gas engine to propane upon request of Northwestern Propane's owner in Sisseton. His interest with propane grew and on April 1, 1949, he purchased the propane business and named it Whetstone Propane. Glenn served as president of the LP Gas Association in South Dakota where he also taught propane safety classes in Pierre, SD. Glenn and Norma continued to own and operate Whetstone Propane Co. until they retired in 1989.
Glenn had many interests. Next to his love of family, came his love of flying. Glenn was a member of the Sisseton Flying Club where he shared ownership of a Mooney and later purchased his own Cessna 170 then upgraded to a Cessna 172. He was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol and recently received an American Legion Continuous Member Certificate for 55 years. Glenn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he also served as an Elder. He was an avid reader of military history, history in general, and anything to do with flying. Glenn also enjoyed playing bridge, hunting, skeet shooting, and traveling. Glenn had always dreamed of going to Alaska and fulfilled that dream in 2007, which included flying over the North Pole. Glenn entered the Tekakwitha Nursing Home in November of 2008.
Glenn's death will be a great loss to those who knew him, loved him, and respected him. Left with his loving memory are Norma, bride of 65 years, his son, Kerry (Kathie) Smith of Tillamook, OR; daughter, Lauri (Roger) Sonstegard of Wahpeton, ND; Heidi Smith (Terry Christensen) of Sioux City, IA; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Clarice Enquist of Great Falls, MT; and sister-in-law, Lita Smith of Shreveport, LA; and, numerous nieces and nephews.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Verda Akre, and his brother, Gale Smith.