Glenn Alan Angelino

1950 - 2018

Glenn Alan Angelino, 67, of Des Moines, Iowa died Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. Glenn died of complications from a stem cell transplant after being diagnosed with Acute T Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May, less than a year after he retired. He was lovingly held in the arms of his wife and children when he took his last breath on earth and his first breath in Heaven. Visitation was held at Dunn's Funeral Home on Friday, February 9 between 4:00 and 7:00 pm. The funeral took place at 11:00 am Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Plymouth Church followed by a luncheon at Wakonda Country Club. He was born Glenn Alan Kurtz on November 15, 1950 in Allentown, PA to Clarence Kurtz and Betty Smith Kurtz. Glenn was later adopted by his stepfather, John Angelino. Glenn was an outstanding athlete. He excelled in football, baseball, and basketball, as well as participating in musicals. He was recruited by several universities before accepting a basketball scholarship with the University of Iowa. Glenn was recruited by Ralph Miller, who coached the Iowa Hawkeyes to a 14-0 Big Ten championship in the 1969-1970 season. Glenn began his career at the University of Iowa as a starting guard. In January of 1972 Glenn had his first date with Debby Seery, a cheerleader at the University of Iowa. They met for their first date in front of the trophy case at the old Field House after a basketball game. It was love at first sight. Debby's sorority sisters predicted after their first date they would get married. They married on May 25, 1974. Glenn was later quoted in a "Where are they Now" article in an Iowa Hawkeye program as saying, "But I really feel, though, that it is all timing. If I had it to do over again, to follow Ralph Miller or stay at Iowa, I think I would have done it the same way. I know I wouldn't have met my wife if I'd left Iowa. You might call ours the perfect college romance." They loved one another deeply for 46 years after that first date. Glenn and Debby have two children, Chad and Meghan. His children adored him. Chad often said, "Our family is so normal, we're not normal." Glenn's greatest joy was his family. Their time together was priceless. Their favorite times were their annual trips to Caribbean islands and their home on Anna Maria Island, FL. Glenn couldn't mention his home in Anna Maria Island without lighting up. Their trips became even more fun after John and Stephanie joined the family and of course the grandchildren, Conley and Rory. Glenn was involved in all aspects of Chad and Meghan's lives. He coached many of their teams, never missing a game, recital, or school program. He and Debby received the Volunteer of the Year award at their children's high school. Besides his volunteering in his children's schools, he coached both his children's sports through the years. He was a member of Plymouth Church where he was a deacon and coached the children's basketball teams. He was a member of the OPEC Breakfast Club. Glenn was called upon time and time again with people's questions about their heart conditions and spent as much time as needed to get them the proper care. Glenn's work life mimicked everything else in his life. He had a rare gift of making everyone he met feel special and valued. His degree in Science and Psychology helped him excel in his professional life in the medical business. He was in management at US Surgical which he soon found he wanted to be more hands on with the doctors and patients. Glenn was honored as the number one sales rep in the country at Nellcor. Soon after, Medtronic pursued Glenn. He enjoyed 28 years with Medtronic. It was a challenging position, but one Glenn excelled in, achieving President's Club multiple times in addition to numerous awards throughout his career. Glenn was larger than life, a term often used to describe him. So many people thought of Glenn as being their best friend. He always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a story to tell. Glenn's legacy will live forever in the hearts and lives of his family. Glenn is survived by his wife, Debby; his son Chad Angelino (Stephanie) of Urbandale, IA, daughter Meghan Tiernan (John) of Urbandale, IA; his grandchildren Conley and Rory Tiernan; His sister Toni Borden (Marcus) of South River, NJ, brothers, John Angelino (Jane) of Allentown, PA, Jeff Kurtz (Kathy) of Manlius, NY, Jim Kurtz (Chris) of Catasauqua, PA, Jon Kurtz of Alexandria, VA, Jay Kurtz of Alexandria, VA; his Uncle, Richard Smith of Allentown, PA (Todd Horn) and nieces and nephews. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and John Angelino and Clarence Kurtz and his brother David Angelino. Friends wishing to remember Glenn may send a donation to an organization or charity of their choice, or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation, Food Pantry or Animal Rescue League.