“What’s REALLY going on here?”, motto of Glenn Leroy Crum who died on November 3, 2015. He was born May 26,1940, to Clarence and Elaine Crum in Wahkon, MN. They encouraged his thinking for himself, make-do (Depression-era necessity), family, friends, and Church. They instilled a solid foundation in kindness and caring through their own actions and faith. Glenn married Joan Miller on Nov. 26, 1970, in Helena, MT. He loved his wife of 44 years and recognized his marriage as his biggest achievement because she let him “live life”.
In spite of many obstacles in his life Glenn “lived life to the hilt”. Motorcycling: in the Montana mountains, wandering Europe and Northern Africa on a cycle he purchased there, and many trips. Sailing: the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and Canyon Ferry Lake (single-handled sail to Skagway, Alaska and back). Piloting a private plane: didn’t work out because the instructors were too busy flying during a airline strike. Keeping: detailed logs and photos of the adventures. Seeing: Sitting in a field of spring flowers so tiny they looked like a carpet and counting the variety he could find (about 32 within reach). Original: as a young teen he and a friend climbed to the top of a local water tower to see whose feet could be highest off the ground; Glenn won by standing on his head.
Challenges: his job with the Mountain Bell Phone Company and then his own two-way radio sales and service business (the 1980s through 2013). Designing: the new Helena Tour Train sound system so that his hard-of-hearing Dad could understand no matter where he sat; two private water systems for subdivisions with emergency alarm systems; doing his own work building his house (with plenty of help from Joan, family members, and the neighborhood children
Treasuring: memories of parents, family and friends. Writing: 400-page book of stories about extended family and friends for future generations). Enjoying: time spent with all 14 nieces and nephews, family and friends. For you farmers, he considered all kids to be our “precious seed corn” while the rest of us call them “our precious future”.
Glenn loved to ask how, why, what questions about every aspect of life from philosophical to mechanical, from astrological to phenomenon. from theories to possibilities. He had an excellent “bulls* detector and would read the newspaper with calculator and pen ready to check credibility. Books, books and more books were expected with each pursuit of a new project or interest.
Kindness, generosity, honesty, and investigations were the most cherished characteristics he cherished, and family and friends were his center. He had a gift for finding a treasure in each aspect of creation whether people, scenery, animals, birds, whatever – he adored them all.
His legacy will be preserved for generations to come.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Marlys (Wayne) Hawthorne and survived by brothers Adrian (Sandy), Alton (Penny) and Greg (Jean) and sister Becki (Steve) Muellerleile, nieces, nephews and their kids.
A special thanks to Frontier Hospice and the Rosetta Home staff for the wonderful help, care and concern for Glenn and family.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service is being held at 3pm, Friday November 20, at the Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 South Oakes. Dress is casually comfort. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Frontier Hospice, St. Peter’s Hospital Cancer Center, or charity of your choice. (A pet rock for Joan is also a possibility).
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Tom Woodgerd says
Our condolences to Joan and family. We always enjoyed running into Glenn and Joan at various restaurants around town not to mention garage sales. Glenn had a lot of hobbies and was always interesting to talk to.
Thoughts and Prayers for Joan and family,
Tom Woodgerd and Sharon Hubbell
Mary & Dan Hoyrup says
We were so sorry to read about Glenn’s passing. Dan often talks about the fun he had working with Glenn and how much he learned from him. I think we will be out of town on Friday but our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Love, Mary and Dan Hoyrup
Dean & Arlou Peterson says
We surely have appreciated you calling us ,Joan, and keeping us updated these past weeks. We share many memories of Glenn from a young age and these later years with you also Joan. We won’t be coming out for the funeral as you already know, but will set aside some quiet time here at home at the same time you will be all gathered for the Memorial Service. Our sympathy to all of you at this time. Memories will not be taken away, so keep them close and dear to your hearts. Dean & Arlou Peterson Milaca, Mn
Bob Crum says
Bobby Crum says: Glenn’s dad and my Dad were best friend brothers and they visited often with us kids in tow. Glenn was only 7 years older than I was and I looked up to him like the brother I never had. When I was 12 Glenn was already into electronic things and he wired his car to do some things with switches that had to be in the certain position to make it start or the radio play, a sort of security system for that day. I was impressed and I think that is what got me interested in electronics. I went on to college and I became an Electrical Engineer and had an enjoyable career Thanks to Glenn. Sure will miss you cousin.
Bob Schleicher says
So sorry Joan. Glenn was a great guy and he will be missed.
Bob Schleicher
Heather says
Dear Joan,
I love you and Glenn. I’m sad I wasn’t able to attend the memorial service. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Heather Crum
Pat Downs says
Good Morning Joan, although I have left Montana, I still keep up with IR local news, and today I was shocked to see of Glenn’s passing. I knew him more working around the airport, and of course you Joan as a long time good friend. I am sorry for your loss and thinking of you especially today.
Pat Downs
Denise says
Joan, so sorry I couldn’t be with you today! I was sitting in a doctors office. I will really miss seeing his smiling face at Jorg’s. Our love is with you at this sad time! Please come see us when you can. Love Denise
cloosey says
Joan, we are sorry to hear about Glen. He was a special man. Our thoughts and prayers to you and all his family.
Aubrey and Cloosey