Obituary of Glen R. Burgess

On March 21, 2009, just three months shy of his 95th birthday, Glen R. Burgess passed quietly away in his home at Wesley Park Center. A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church at 10:30 am on Tuesday March 24, 2009. Glen was born on June 5, 1914 in Van Meter, Iowa to Carl and Fern (Clearwater) Burgess. He had an older brother Carl Junior and a younger brother Paul both of whom predeceased him. One of Glen's proudest moments, among many in his life, was being honored as the longest continuous resident of Newton, 93 years at that time. He thoroughly enjoyed the rainy day parade through the streets of Newton spotlighting him and other worthy Newton residents. Glen proudly displayed the commemorative plaque outside his apartment door at Park Center. At the age of three, Glen suffered a traumatic skull fracture as the result of an auto accident. For many years after that he walked with a limp and as a teenager he used a golf club as a cane when he trekked to the Newton Country Club to caddy and hone his own game. Overcoming his handicap was typical of Glen's character and golf became his trademark sport though he was a tough competitor in every sport or game he played. He won many trophies over the years the last of which he brought home at the age of 92. As a school boy he was known to capture all the marbles in recess games sending the other kids home with empty bags. As an adult he could out hustle the pool hustlers who came to town to fleece the locals and as a member of the bowling league he took home a good share of the pots. Glen's attention to detail served him well as an accountant at Maytag where he worked for 43 years until his retirement in 1979. At times his perfectionism could have a humorous edge, which even Glen recognized. Once he complained to the management of his beloved Country Kitchen that the bacon was too long for the plate. Understanding that Glen was not at heart a mean spirited man, the staff and his friends took his fussiness with a grain of salt and a dollop of good humor. Glen was a lifelong member of The Newton Country Club, the Elks and the YMCA and was for 43 years, a member of the Des Moines Golf and Country Club. He was an active member for 35 years of the Congregational Church. Growing up in a musical family inspired Glen to master the clarinet, saxophone and violin. His skill as clarinetist earned him a chair in the Maytag Bowl Orchestra where he played during his twenties and thirties. Glen was preceded in death not only by his parents and two brothers but also his first wife Ann Maxine Martin to whom he was married for 33 years and his second wife Charlotte Dean to whom he was married for 27 years. His survivors include his only child Dr. Michael Martin Burgess, his daughter-in-law Gaelen Moore Burgess, his grandchildren Michael Craig Burgess, Renee Annette Von Bevern and John Patrick Burgess, his four great grandchildren, Ryan Von Bevern, Peter Austin Burgess, Elijah Blue Burgess and Kennedy Nicole Burgess. Glen's family and friends will miss his gentle manner and welcoming smile, his sportsman's spirit, his fussiness and his ability to see the humor in his own foibles. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Glen's memory with a donation to the Newton YMCA. The family welcomes all Glen's friends to a gathering at the Elks Club following this service on Tuesday the 24th for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. You are invited to come and share memories and stories about this true son of Newton, Iowa who will be greatly missed on and off the golf course.