Glen Bortell, 100, Inverness, died April 18, 2015, surrounded by his loving family and under the devoted care of Hospice of Citrus and Nature Coast staff.
Glen was born Sept. 9, 1914, in Grinnell, Iowa, to the late John E. and Catherine (Swanson) Bortell. He was the owner/operator for 20 years of a youth ranch and children's camp in St. Charles, Iowa, ""Bortell's Bar Rockin B Ranch."" Glen was very active in the St. Charles Masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree Mason, Shriner and Scottish Rite. He served the State of Iowa as a senator to finish the term of another politician and was then elected to the Iowa House of Representatives serving Madison County. After relocation to Venice, Florida, in 1987 and then to Inverness in 1993, he volunteered at Citrus Memorial Hospital as a transporter, accruing over 6,000 hours of service and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2013. Along with his late wife Mary, he served the First United Methodist Church of Inverness in their building fund efforts.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Glenda (husband Norman) Ackley, Lecanto; and his sons, John Bortell (wife Peggy), Homosassa and William (wife Cynthia), Winterset, Iowa; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a dear neighbor and friend, Ruth Schar. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary.
A celebration and tribute to Glen's life will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory with Pastor Sarah Campbell officiating and Masonic Memorial Lodge No. 19. The family requests donations in Glen's memory to Citrus Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers in lieu of flowers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Citrus County Chronicle from Apr. 26 to Apr. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Glen Bortell

11 Entries

Susan Russell

August 27, 2015

I rode in the Flying Hoofs when Glen was drillmaster. The Bortells and my family, the Joses, were long timers with that wonderful group, riding at Owen Crist's arena and entertaining all over the state. The Bar Rockin B came to be after my folks purchased some timberland in St. Charles and the Bortell's picniking there, loving the area, and deciding to buy land and start a summer camp next door. They dug the pond just in time for the storms created by a gulf hurricane to fill it. Happy trails, Glen. Remember you fondly. Susan

kent

July 20, 2015

I remember him from camp days,He and his wife were wonderful people,he will be missed!

Karen Speicher

May 13, 2015

So many good memories of the Bar Rockin B. I would go to the Sports and Vacation show in Des Moines to get enrolled for my two weeks in the summer. Beauty, hikesand earning my rock hound and bridge of courage, hay rack rides, Brigham, camp songs, skits and so much more. Uncle Glen, Aunt Mary, Glenda, John and Bill thanks for many summer memories.

Cynde Keating

May 2, 2015

Glen was always my adopted grandfather. He lead a full life. Good memories.

Marcia (Haymond)Wingler

April 29, 2015

I just happened to read the obit for "Uncle Glen" online when looking for something else!. I worked 2 summers at the ranch when I was in college in the 60's and had such a great time with wonderful memories of "Aunt Mary and "Uncle Glen". What a blessing that he lived 100 years! Glenda, John and Bill, you all have my deepest sympathy. We moved to AZ in 1985, so had lost touch with everyone. So glad I saw the picture and obituary and could send you my condolances.

Ginger Bassett

April 28, 2015

I'm so sorry to learn of "Uncle Glen's" passing. He was such a wonderful person. I am 61 years old myself, and I still have such wonderful memories of he and Aunt Mary at the Bortell's Bar Rocking B Ranch! My heartfelt condolences to the surviving family members.

Julie (Hintz) Murphy and Carolyn (Hintz) Lease

April 27, 2015

Uncle Glen truly touched so many lives. We got to know him so well riding those trails behind him on Beauty. Our thoughts are with everyone at this time.

April 26, 2015

So sorry to hear of loss. During this time there will be tears, but please keep in mind that even Jesus gave way to tears when someone he loved died. this occasion was recorded in the Bible at John 11:35.

From one who has experienced such grief, I offer my sympathy.

Gene & Kathy Garton

April 26, 2015

Uncle Glen will be remembered by so many. Gene and I helped John paint the house and loved coming to visit the ranch. Patches, one of many horses, was special to our daughter. John, we are so sorry for your loss. We are sending thoughts and prayers to you all. RIP Uncle Glen .

Joanne Nemechek

April 26, 2015

I knew Glen for 9 yrs in DI just an Awesome man and honored to have known him he will never be forgotten love you Glen xxoo

Sheila Patel

April 25, 2015

I have very fond memories of "Uncle" Glenn from when I was a camper at Bortell's. He was always smiling :-) I also remember when he and "Aunt" Mary retired to Florida. I often think back on the great times I had at summer camp, and Glen was a big part of that. You have my deepest sympathies, and warmest wishes at this time.

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