MILESTONES » OBITUARIES

Glenn J. Burrows - 06/25/2010

Glenn J. Burrows, age 96, of La Porte City, died Friday, June 25, 2010, at La Porte City Nursing and Rehab Center.

Glenn was born May 24, 1914, on a farm in rural Black Hawk County, the son of John and Olive (Sheffler) Burrows. He married Frances Arlene Struve on August 7, 1935, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They had three daughters together.

Glenn farmed most of his life. He began with a dairy famer and when he retired in 1976, he was raising cattle and hogs. He was a pioneer in implementing contour farming in Benton County in the 1950’s. Glenn served on the Buchanan County Conservation Board and held many positions, reaching the top position of President of the State Soil Conservation Board. As a registered lobbyist, Glenn made many trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal officials requesting funding for conservation needs. Glenn was recognized with many awards for his dedication and efforts in improving our land.

Glenn also served as Past President of the Red Cedar Chapter of the Isaac Walton League in Vinton and was a member of the Lime Creek Fish and Game Club and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in La Porte City.

He loved to fish, spending many family vacations fishing in Canada and Minnesota. Glenn and Frances took many bus trips enjoying a variety of people and sights. He liked to sing, but was at the height of his glory when he and Frances could glide to music around the dance floor.

Survivors include his wife of over 74 years, Frances of La Porte City; two daughters, Sharon Burrows of Stone City, and Marilyn Spores of Tallahassee, Florida; a granddaughter, Kerry (Dan) Solomon of Cedar Rapids and a grandson, Jamison Spores of Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Glenda Burrows; and two sisters, Nina Morrison and Faye Abel.

Glenn had written his autobiography and this was his final sentence: “I am so grateful for my family, my relatives and multitude of friends that seem to multiply since our move to La Porte City. You have all gathered in the wind beneath my wings. I am enjoying every minute of it."

Funeral services were held June 30, 2010, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with burial in West View Cemetery, both in La Porte City.

Memorials may be directed to the family, where a memorial fund will be established at a later date.

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