Glenn Nissen, age 88 of Wall Lake, IA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge, IA. Glenn Edward Nissen was born on January 8, 1932, to parents Edward and Edith Ida (Quade) Nissen on a farm in Crawford County, IA. He was baptized on July 10, 1932, at home and was confirmed on February 22, 1959, by Pastor Weiss at Peace Lutheran Church where Glenn would become a lifelong member. He served as an elder and was a member of the Voters Assembly.
Glenn grew up on the family farm and went to country school in Wall Lake. He graduated from Wall Lake High School with the Class of 1950. On October 21, 1952, Glenn was inducted into the United States Army and served overseas during the Korean War. Upon completion of his active military service in 1954, he was transferred to the US Army Reserves in which he served for 8 years.
On April 20, 1958, Glenn married the love of his life, Colleen Quandt, at Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake. This union was blessed four children: Becky, Connie, Steven, and Wayne. Together they raised their family on the farm in Odebolt. Glenn farmed until he and Colleen moved to town in 1993. He worked at a few different places and then for the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources in Lake View for 17 years. Glenn retired in 2016.
Farming and being outdoors was what Glenn loved. God blessed him with being able to do just that throughout his life. He was an avid reader and always enjoyed a good book. Glenn and Colleen traveled to many different states over the years and especially enjoyed their trips to Alaska and Hawaii. Many memories were made during their annual Branson, MO, getaway. They left just after Thanksgiving for many years to take this special trip and many times, their adult children would join them. Dancing was also a favorite past-time for Glenn. He and Colleen frequented many of the area dance halls over the years showing off their Polka and Waltz dancing skills. This was something they enjoyed and were able to do for many years. Glenn was an avid Hawkeye fan and also followed the Kansas City Chiefs so of course he was excited to see them win this year’s Super Bowl. While so many things brought Glenn great joy, nothing could light up his face as much as seeing his grandkids and even great-grandkids. He loved and adored his family. He made his rounds to watch his grandkids play sports whenever he could, he loved supporting them. Glenn will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in God’s care and peace eternally.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Colleen “Coke” Nissen off Wall Lake, IA; children: Becky (Neal) Friedrichsen of Wall Lake, IA, Connie (Ken) Severson of Nemaha, IA, Steven Nissen of Wall Lake, IA, and Wayne Nissen of Wall Lake, IA; grandchildren: Angie (Jason) Clark of Ankeny, IA, Kelly Friedrichsen (Eric Bieber) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Lucas (Kristina) Severson of Omaha, NE, Heath (Alyssa) Severson of Omaha, NE, Samantha Nissen of Sac City, IA, and Haylee Nissen of Sac City, IA; great-grandchildren: Caleb, Collin, Payton, and Maddox Clark, Logan, Zachary, and Emma Bieber, Connor and Brady Severson; sister Bonnie Weisenborn of Sac City, IA; sister-in-law Bernadeen Steinkamp of Wall Lake, IA; brothers-in-law: Wayne (Linda) Quandt of Kingsville, TX, Ken (Mary Ann) Robinson of ID, and Veryl (Cheri) Robinson of TN; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Ida Nissen; father-in-law Walter Quandt; father and mother-in-law Cleo and Bernice Robinson; grandson Ethan Nissen; brothers-in-law Verlin Weisenborn and Paul Steinkamp.
Funeral services for Glenn will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Wall Lake with Reverend Roger Carlisle officiating. Burial will be at the Wall Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., at the church.
