Glenn Upham Boggs, 1950

Spring 2018 (May 18, 2018)

Glenn Upham Boggs
Glenn Upham Boggs

Glenn Upham Boggs was called to his Heavenly Home on May 15, 2017, from his earthly home in Midland, Mich. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on Feb. 3, 1928, to Newton and Margaret Boggs. His family later moved to Viroqua, Wis., where Glenn attended grade and high school. He attended Luther College and graduated from Carroll College. He married Beverly Hanchett in 1951 and they moved to Bay City, Mich., in 1953, where he began his career with Dow Chemical Company. He was transferred to Midland, and later relocated the family to Midland.

He retired from Dow in 1986. Following his retirement, Glenn was an active, full-time volunteer, sharing his varied interests and expertise. Glenn combined these qualities with his caring attitude in serving others, his community, and his church. He was presented the 1997 Senior Citizen of the Year Award for his years of service with the Midland County Council on Aging. His nomination was summarized: “Our community is blessed to have Glenn Boggs.” Glenn was trained as an AARP tax consultant and was recognized for 20 years of service in preparing income tax returns for seniors, including making home visits to seniors who were homebound. Glenn was an AARP officer and served on several committees.

Our Savior Lutheran Church was important to Glenn. He served on the congregational board and was also president of Aid Association for Lutherans’ local chapter, an organization that served individuals and churches in the Midland community. Glenn loved to read. History and science volumes filled his library. He volunteered at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library and especially enjoyed volunteering during their book sales. Glenn was an avid ham radio operator, participating in the emergency weather forecasting for the area, and enjoyed testing and encouraging new operators. He joined other operators serving at the Dow Walks and Bicycle Runs, and was prepared to help in case of an emergency. He enjoyed model railroads throughout his life, and enjoyed sharing his trains with his children, grandchildren, and neighbor children.

Glenn is preceded in death by his parents and two siblings. Glenn is survived by his wife, Bev, who loved and cared for him for almost 66 years of marriage. Glenn loved his children and encouraged all of them in their educations and careers: Dr. Debra Aho (Brian) of Brainerd, Minn.; Meredith Kennedy, CRNA (Alan) of Highland, Mich.; and Steven Boggs, CPA (Joann) of Commerce Township, Mich. Glenn loved his grandchildren -- and their pets: Alden Kennedy of Mexico City, Mexico; Adam Kennedy of Shizuoka, Japan; Erin Kennedy (Christopher Wisecarver) of Palmyra, Va.; Christopher Boggs (Erin) of Waterford, Mich.; and Stephanie Boggs of Greeley, Colo.

The family celebrated Glenn’s life with a ceremony in West Salem, Wis., where there is a family plot. Memorials can be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Midland. Glenn blessed our family as husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed. During Glenn’s last thirteen years of life he patiently persevered through the challenges of Parkinson’s and cardiac disease. The family is deeply grateful for the care of Dr. Sheree Clark and Dr. Rodney Diehl and the MidMichigan Hospice team who cared for Glenn. Their love and professional assistance were tremendous gifts to Glenn and our family. To sign online guestbook visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com

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