Glenn A. Kirchner, 82, passed away in the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove on Friday, February 26, 2010. Glenn was born in Green Bay on April 2, 1927 and was the son of the late Raymond and Vivian (nee: Axtell) Kirchner. Glenn graduated from Appleton High School. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during WWII. Glenn earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Oshkosh State Teachers College where he was a member of both the football and basketball teams. He received his Master of Science Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. On June 17, 1950, he married the love of his life, the former Ruth Jessen. They resided in Berlin, WI for the first six years of their married life where Glenn was both a teacher and coach. The family moved to Racine in 1956. From 1956 until his retirement in 1987, Glenn served as assistant principals and principals of Franklin Jr. High, Gifford Jr. High, Starbuck Jr. High, and McKinley Jr. High. Glenn served God as an active member of Calvary Memorial Church. He sang in the choir, was a trustee, deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, Christian Education board member, and Executive board member. Glenn was also a member of the Association of Wisconsin Secondary School Administrators, the National Association of Secondary Principals, the WIAA Football and Basketball Referees, the Oshkosh Alumni Association, a charter member of the West Racine Kiwanis where he was the Hixon Award recipient. Glenn had a deep love for his God, his family, and his country. He also enjoyed spending time at his home away from home in northern Wisconsin. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 59 years, Ruth; their children, Karen (Joe) Enis, of Bradenton, FL, Tom (Kay) Kirchner, of Vernon Hills, IL, Rev. Jim (Sheree) Kirchner, of Littleton, CO; grandchildren, Kate, Bill, Mike, Claire, Ben, Amy, Jessen, Sydney, Heidi, Kezia, Sarah, and John; sister-in-law, Carol (Ron) Kraus of Banning, CA, nieces, nephews, church family, and a host of friends and former students whose lives were touched by Glenn. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in Calvary Memorial Church (4001 Washington Ave.) with Rev. Nathan James officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Private burial service will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. The family has suggested memorials to either Calvary Memorial Church Mission Fund or the West Racine Kiwanis Scholarship Fund. The family wishes to extend a special thanks for the outstanding skill, care, compassion, and understanding that they received from the staff at the Wisconsin Veterans Home -Boland Hall and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare- All Saints.
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