Dennis Ray Glenn 1948-1967

GLENN, REETZ, BENJAMIN

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/29/2011 at 00:24:39

Estherville Pays Tribute to First Vietnam War Victim
Relatives, friends, and residents of the Estherville community filled Estherville Lutheran Church Monday afternoon to pay tribute to Estherville’s and Emmet County’s first Vietnam casualty.

Services were held at 2 p.m. for PFC Dennis R. Glenn, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Glenn, who was killed in action May 29 near Quang Tri, Vietnam.

Rev. Roy Hendrickson, officiating at the service, said “Dennis gave his life for us all” in the service of his country.

Rev. Hendrickson said we should not become complacent about our lives. We should use the time wisely that has been given us by God.

Rev. Hendrickson thanked the community on behalf of the Glenn family who expressed “their most sincere thanks for everything you have done – for the kindness you have shown us these past days.”

Military graveside services followed the church service at the East Side Cemetery. Members of the Marine Corps served as pallbearers and conducted the graveside service.

Dennis died as the result of chest wounds from rifle fire while serving with the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. He was based there with the 3rd Battalion Marine Co. “M”, Re-Con Division.

A graduate of Estherville High School, class of 1966, Dennis enlisted in the Marines Oct. 4, 1966, while working in Chicago for American Airlines. He arrived in Vietnam May 17. His body arrived in Sioux Falls, S.D., Thursday and was escorted here by Lance Corporal Michael Cervera.

He is survived by his parents; two brothers, Craig and Scott; four sisters, Becky, Patty, Holly, and Ginger; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Fred Reetz, Sr. of Alpha, Minn., and paternal grandmother, Mrs. Frank Benjamin of Jackson, Minn.

A $47 memorial was presented to the Glenn family on behalf of the high school class of 1966. They also donated flowers for the service. Gene Omundson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Omundson, headed the collection for the memorial. (Estherville Daily News, Estherville, IA, June 13, 1967)