Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
1200 North Cloverdale Road
Boise, Idaho
Glenn Newell Obituary
1921 - 2014
Glenn passed away with his family surrounding him on December 18th, 2014, due to injuries received in a fall. He tried valiantly to keep going, but his 93 year old body lacked the strength to survive.
He was born October 20, 1921 in Emmett, ID, the sixth of seven children born to E.L. (Todd) and Annie (Roder) Newell. He was raised on a ranch in Ola, ID and graduated from Emmett HS in 1941.
His brother, Emmett, thought they should go on a "big adventure", so they went to work for MK on Wake Island. They were both captured and held as prisoners in China and Japan with over one thousand other civilians and Marines for the entire war. Miraculously, they both survived and came home after the war ended. He has been an active member of the Wake Island Survivors group since it was formed.
He met Ethel Duncan on a blind date arranged by her sister and his friend and they were married two weeks later. He went to work for Idaho Power Co. and they settled in Boise, where they added two sons, David and Geary, to their family. They lived in McCall for four years before returning to Boise where he continued his career with Idaho Power as a lineman and metering foreman until he retired after 40 years of service.
Dad was a kind, sweet, humble, and generous man. He loved to be around people and people were drawn to him like a magnet. He often had long conversations with people he had never met before.
Ethel passed away in 2009 after 62 years of marriage. Since then, Dad has remained active and involved with his sons and their families. He was always ready to help with a project, and in fact, was often the one to "get the ball rolling". He took us to rodeos and to dinner weekly, and we took him camping and to the Oregon Coast.
He has been an active member of Ustick Baptist Church for many years and has many close friends there.
He is survived by his sons, David (Kathi) and Geary (Launa); grandchildren, Todd, Kristi, Jeff, Jim, Joe, Angie and Katie; 13 great grandchildren and 3 ½ great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bob (Verda) and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday, December 26th at 5:00 PM for family and 6:00 to 8:00 PM for friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 10:30 AM at Cloverdale Funeral Home, with internment to follow at Terrace Lawn.
We miss you dearly, Dad.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Glenn Newell
Ray Sorensen
December 17, 2023
Glenn was a wonderful neighbor living just three doors south of our home when I was growing up on Leadville. Glenn´s boys were friends and I regret loosing track of them. He lived a good life full of good will for all.
Betty Newell
December 29, 2014
So sorry to hear of Glenn's passing. In being married to Ronald Newell I have had the privilege of knowing both your mother and father. Glenn was always so kind and positive in any conversation we had with him. As I just lost Ronald to Cancer in November I know that he was there with an outstretched hand to welcome Glenn to heaven.
God be with you in your time of grief.
Jim Hunt
December 28, 2014
As my sister Carolyn said, the Newell house was a good meeting place.
Growing up on Leadville, I have many good memories about the whole Newell family.
December 28, 2014
Dearest Gar & David:
I was so very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a dear, dear man who knew no strangers and always went out of his way to make everyone feel at home.
Gar, during the years that we dated, it was always either your Dad or my Dad who attempted to console and counsel us when we'd have a spat. Two very pragmatic, level-headed guys that enriched our lives. Your Dad was always so very proud of his boys, and he just beamed when he talked about you! Whether it was a wrestling match or a football game, he was there to cheer you on.
Sending positive thoughts to help you heal at this tough time.
Fondly,
Julie (Martin)Garton-Good,
Lenore, Idaho
[email protected]
The Groffs
December 27, 2014
We were fortunate to know Glenn and spend many fun times with him on camping trips. He always loved to go along and with family and friends on another adventure.
Carolyn Hunt Wilhite
December 26, 2014
As with Ray Sorensen, my brother and I both grew up with David and Gary on Leadville. The Newell house was in the middle of the block and a good meeting place. I remember Glen, or as I called him then Mr. Newell, as a hard worker. And Edith a stay at home mom. Good people.
Uncle Glenn was such a great guy! I will miss him!
Beth (Burt)McGovney
December 26, 2014
Emil Kolar
December 26, 2014
I new Glenn from Idaho Power Co.. I used to see Glenn at Chuck A Roma on several occasions. I wanted to know more about Glenn because I knew he knew my dad, George Kolar and my Uncle Ivan Kolar, from Horseshoe Bend. I later would visit Glenn at the assisted living home. Before the holidays, I visited Glenn and, he said we was tired most of the time and that he felt his time was short.
Glenn was always kind, and just enlightening to talk to. He was a man I respected and he touched my life in a positive way. I will see him again. May the Peace the Lord be with you.
Joyce Biggers
December 26, 2014
If I were to say something about Glenn, I would just be repeating what the previous signors have already said. I agree fully about the kind, wonderful words that have already appeared.
As a kid growing up, I remember Glenn stopping by to visit my parents. He and my dad, Asa Glenn, were good friends. They grew up together in Ola.
If you have read the "diary" about what these men who were captured on Wake Island went through as prisoners, you would know that each of them were tough, courageous,and possessed a strong will to return to their loved ones. For each of these men to carry on with their lives in the manner that they have done has certainly earned them a big salute.
I have many good memories about the Newell family.
Cleota Newell Patterson
December 26, 2014
Everyone who knew Glenn will miss him very much as will I and my family. Our children grew up together and would be impossible to list the fun times we had. My husband Emmett spent the years in prison camp with him. So sorry I cannot be there. My love and thought are with David, Gary and their families. Cleota Newell Patterson
December 26, 2014
Glenn will be such a loss to everyone that knew him. How can I say how many great time we had since our families grew up together. My last wonderful time two years ago when he came to the ranch at Cascade and jumped on a horse and rode like he was 16 years old. My love and thoughts to David and Gary and their families. Cleota Newell Patterson
Diana Bostwick
December 26, 2014
In celebration of your Home Coming to Jesus!
Diana Bostwick
December 25, 2014
So very sorry to hear of Glenn's passing. Words can not express what you and your family are experiencing at this time. I hope knowing how much your dad was love and respected by all those that knew him will help. My dad Bob Anderson and your dad hanging out together will always remain one of my best memories. He was a kind, thoughtful, generous and humble man. Such a wonderful example to us all!
Barry C. Kelso
December 25, 2014
I remember Glenn also from the Wake Island grup, I had an uncle that was on Wake too and didn't make it home. Glenn and other members of the Newell family that I have met over the years were such friendly people. The last time that I saw Glenn and spoke to him personally was at our annual fall fling of our Wake Island survivor group in September 2014 at the Boise
Riverside Hotel. He will be greatly missed and has left a hole in our Wake Island group. Rest in eternal peace, you are now under the eternal care of the greatest Physician ever, our precious Lord Jesus Christ, I will miss you my special friend, you were always a joy to be around and to visit with too, and I appreciate that very much, God called a good servant home, you suffered enough, your mission is now complete on this earth, "Enter good and faithful servant, saith the Lord Jesus Christ" Oh, what a joyous reuuion he is now having with his friends and loved ones that have gone before him, he has earned his crown of glory, his mansion too and is now walking those streets of gold. Amen
Ray Sorensen
December 24, 2014
Glen was our neighbor on Leadville all of my childhood. I grew up knowing Ethyl, Glen and the boys. They were wonderful friends. Now they are together once more.
Seth Randal
December 24, 2014
I had the honor of knowing Glenn from the Wake Island reunions and monthly coffee gatherings. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Brent & Cathy West
Cathy Duncan-West
December 23, 2014
Please take comfort in knowing you will have an angel watching over you. He will be missed. I haven't seen him in many years, but always enjoyed our visits to Idaho.
Herb and Sue Duncan
December 23, 2014
Our beloved Uncle Glenn is at peace now and not suffering anymore. We miss him already and look forward to seeing him again soon when Jesus comes again to take us to the home He has prepared for us. There will be no more pain and no more tears there. Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Dale and Karen Babcock
December 23, 2014
Glenn was such a friend and blessing to all who knew him. Welcome Home, Glenn.
Frances and Betty Nau
December 23, 2014
Please accept our prayers for the members of Glenn's family - from some very old friends.
December 23, 2014
Glenn was a great man of God and an inspiration to so many of us. We will miss him dearly. Gayle Martinez
Frances Hunter
December 23, 2014
He was much like his father, so friendly & dependable. He leaves a big hole for all of us. My prayers to his family for comfort & peace.
Linda & John Brown
December 23, 2014
We will miss Glenn very much. It was such a delight to greet him at church because he had such a keen interest in all of the people he knew, always asking after other seniors' health and welfare. He was generous, thoughtful and kind - and incredibly humble. Such an example to us all!
Lou Mansur
December 23, 2014
So very sorry to hear of Glenn's passing. While words can't make the loss you and your family are experiencing at this time any less, I hope knowing how much your dad was love and respected by all those that knew him will help. Please know that all of you are in my thought and prayers and that soon the good and wonderful memories of your dad will be there to help.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Glenn Newell's name
Memorial Events
for Glenn Newell
Funeral services provided by:
Cloverdale Funeral Home Cemetery and Cremation - Gibson Chapel - Boise1200 North Cloverdale Road, Boise, ID 83713
How to support Glenn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Glenn Newell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored