Glenn's obituary
Born in Orange, California on February 17, 1941, he was the second son born to Floyd and Philura Stockwell.
Glenn’s early years in southern California were everything “California Dreams” are supposed to be. As a young child, Glenn tapped danced with his friend and original Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess. He played baseball on a dirt road called West Katella Ave and hunted jackrabbits in the orange groves of what is now Disneyland. In his teen years, he sang bass in a musical group with his friend Bobby Hatfield. Bobby would go on to find another “Righteous Brother” and crank out hits like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin” and “Unchained Melody”.
As one of Disneyland's original “cast members”, Glenn’s first real job was selling the Disneyland News at the gates of Disneyland on saw horses and a piece of plywood. In the following years, Glenn would work all aspects of the Magic Kingdom. Balloon salesman, Main Street Ice Cream Parlor “soda jerk”, Matterhorn operator, and Submarine captain to name a few. As a veteran “Cast Member”, Glenn had some pull. When a friend needed a job for his neighbor Steve, Glenn found an opening for him in the magic shop. To this day Steve fondly remembers that job, along with others like Saturday Night Live, and starring in movies like The Jerk, Father of the Bride, and Three Amigos. One of Glenn’s greatest Disney memories was saying “Good Morning” to Walt Disney. As Glenn was entering Tomorrowland, Walt was on his way to Main Street. Walt politely replied “Good Morning Son”.
In his young adult years, Glenn served our country in the US Coast Guard and proudly played the drums in the marching band.
In 1966 Glenn’s friend Gayle let him know that her best friend Karen Eissens would be visiting California from Illinois. She informed him “You don't have to like her, but you have to take her out on a date.” Glenn did like her and Karen liked him. 6 weeks later Glenn proposed.
Glenn and Karen were married in Thomson Illinois on June 23, 1967. In 1968, after finishing his engineering degree from Cal State Long Beach this newly married couple was tired of the southern California traffic and thought Illinois would be a better place to raise a family. In 1970 they bought their “starter home” on a nice, quiet street in Loves Park, IL, and 2 kids, 1 dog, 2 cats, and 50 years later that “starter home” is still where Glenn and Karen called home.
Glenn worked in the Rockford area for the remainder of his life. In the ’70s Glenn owned and operated Stockwell Construction as a general contractor building homes in the Greater Rockford Area. Returning to his engineering roots, in the ’80s, Glenn worked at Sundstrand, specifically on the space shuttle and B1 Bomber projects. In the mid 90’s he started GE Video Productions and specialized in weddings, school performances, corporate and private events as well as converting old film. For the next 3 decades, Glenn captured and shared special memories for countless families.
When he was not working the 9 to 5 Glenn volunteered his time to make a difference in the lives of others. As a member of City First Church (First Assembly of God) since 1979 Glenn and Karen donated countless hours of their time loving people and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. He served in many areas ranging from young children (Awana / SonLight Ministries), teenagers (CrossCurrent), missions work in Kyrgyzstan, and the welcome team every Sunday morning. Whether it be a smile, a hug, or a sarcastic comment said with love, generations of people were impacted by the care and attention given by Glenn.
In his later years, his motto was “Have RV, will travel”! Glenn and Karen have crisscrossed our entire country visiting family and making new friends along the way.
His greatest joy, on this side of heaven, was his wife Karen, his kids, and his 5 grandchildren. He always had time to give and time to love on them. Whether it was pitching in on home renovation projects, capturing special family moments on video, or wrestling with his grandkids, Glenn, Dad, Bapa was an inspiration and deeply loved by all those who were closest to him.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Philura (Felton) Stockwell, In-laws George and Josephine (Vanoosten) Eissens, infant brother David Stockwell, Sister in law Brenda Stockwell. Glenn will be deeply missed by his wife of 53+ years Karen Stockwell, his children Kari (Chris) Boling and Curt (Kelli) Stockwell, Grandchildren Lexi, Brody, Cooper Boling, Ava, and Madeleine Stockwell. Siblings Lloyd (Joanne) Stockwell, Richard (Joyce) Stockwell, Ray (Susan) Eissens. 5 nephews and 3 nieces.
Due to current restrictions, Funeral services will be immediate family only. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to designated non-profits. For more info about donations, life celebration and to leave your memories of Glenn visit: www.RememberingGlenn.com
(Your stories of Glenn are highly encouraged as a book of memories will be created in his honor.)
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to support Glenn's favorite causes: The Rockford Rescue Mission, CASA, and multiple Missionaries serving around the world.
$555.00
total raised
Memories & condolences
I just went on line to reconnect with Glenn because I have another video project. I am so saddened to hear of his pass…
I just went on line to reconnect with Glenn because I have another video project. I am so saddened…
I just went on line to reconnect with Glenn because I have anoth…
Karen, Kari & Curt and families - We are so sorry for the loss of Glenn to this life on earth, but we celebrate with y…
Karen, Kari & Curt and families - We are so sorry for the loss of Glenn to this life on earth, but…
Karen, Kari & Curt and families - We are so sorry for the loss …
I have great memories of growing up across the street from the Stockwell's. Glenn always was gracious and looked up to …
I have great memories of growing up across the street from the Stockwell's. Glenn always was gracio…
I have great memories of growing up across the street from the S…
Glenn was such a caring, kind and wonderful friend. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know him through C.A.S…
Glenn was such a caring, kind and wonderful friend. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to kn…
Glenn was such a caring, kind and wonderful friend. I am gratefu…