Rev. Glenn W. Martin (STH ’54)

Glenn W. Martin, age 97, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mabel, wife, Margaret, second wife, Jeanne, and daughter, Deborah.

Glenn Martin was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 1924, where he lived the first 18 years of his life. After graduation from high school, he served 3 years in the United States Army in World War II. He then returned to Wisconsin to attend Milwaukee State Teacher’s College and the University of Wisconsin, where he graduated in 1949 with a degree in Journalism.

For several years, he worked in Minneapolis, Minnesota as a writer, director and producer of radio and television shows for a local advertising agency, and as a freelance actor and musician.

In 1951, he began his studies at the Boston University School of Theology, where he earned a graduate degree in 1954. He was ordained as a minister in the United Methodist Church, and served in the Minnesota Annual Conference for 35 years, sharing his ministry throughout Minnesota. During his ministry, Glenn served as the pastor of local churches, an urban missioner, radio-TV consultant for the church, Christian Educator, Youth Minister, Camp Director, Lab School Instructor, and a mentor to other clergy.

Glenn was known for his writing, including articles for local newspapers and church publications, radio, television, short stories, and educational curriculum for church schools, confirmation training, and church camps. He was very proud of the seven books of short stories that he wrote and published. He also conducted Bible studies, small group leadership programs, and retreats.

After retirement in 1987, he returned to his love of music as a drummer in many musical groups, and enjoyed time with family and friends. He also did freelance writing and speaking, and taught senior study classes.

Glenn was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, and his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He is survived by daughters, Christine (John) Dartt, Carol Hendricks, Judith (Gene) Kovacs, and Jane (Brian) Rethlake; grandchildren, Amy, Jason, Justin, Leah, Amber, Jenny, Josh, and Jessica, and many great-grandchildren.

A Service of Remembrance will be held, Friday, 12/10 at 10 AM, Centennial Methodist Church, 1524 County Rd C2 W, Roseville. No visitation will be held. Interment will be at Fort Snelling. Memorials are preferred to UMCOR, Heifer International, and Feed My Starving Children. Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home, 612-781-6828.