Glenn (Mac) McBurney

Council Bluffs

Glenn (Mac) McBurney passed away on Thursday, November 22, 2012, at Risen Son Christian Village in Council Bluffs.

Glenn was born January 11, 1930, in Rockford, Ill., the 2nd son of Ralph and Iva McBurney. The family moved to a farm near Humboldt, Iowa, when Glenn was 7 years old. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1947, and attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, earning a two year teaching certificate. He taught for one year in Moorhead, Iowa, as an 8th grade teacher and junior high coach. Uncle Sam then beckoned and he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Glenn and Connie Skow were married February 11, 1951, while Glenn was in the Air Force. Connie finished that year at Cedar Falls and then moved to San Bernardino, Calif., to join him. She also followed him to the island of Guam while he was stationed. Unfortunately her stay on Guam was very short because it was there that she contracted polio.

Glenn went back into teaching after his discharge from the Air Force. He received his B.A. from Morningside College and his M.A. from Colorado State Teachers College in Greeley, Colo. The early years in teaching were somewhat nomadic because in order to advance, Glenn had to move to other school districts. He accepted a position as elementary principal in the Lewis Central School District in Council Bluffs in 1969, retiring in 1991. When he wasn't attending college in the summers, Glenn worked for Rain and Hail Insurance Company adjusting crops for weather damage. He worked part-time for American Ag in Council Bluffs after his retirement from Lewis Central for about ten years. They continued to make their home in Council Bluffs.

Mac used to love fishing, camping, and racing with Jim and Trent and watching the races on T.V. He also enjoyed golf. Mac took pleasure in spending time with his family and was a loving husband and wonderful care giver to his wife, Connie.

Glenn was preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Iva McBurney; and grandson, Trent Lauver.

He is survived by wife, Connie (Skow) McBurney, of 61 years; brother, Donald and wife, Lois; son, Jim and wife, Doris; daughters, Sherri and Leon Kloke and Marcy and Bruce Lauver; 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Glenn's body will be cremated and a Celebration of Life visitation will be held Saturday, December 1, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon, at the Walnut Hill Reception Center, 1350 E. Pierce St., in Council Bluffs with a family burial service in the Spring Valley Cemetery in Moorhead, Iowa. The family will direct memorials. Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel. 545 Willow Ave., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503. (712) 322-7779

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

Published by the Des Moines Register on Nov. 29, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Glenn McBurney

16 Entries

Mert Carlson

December 10, 2012

My heart sinks as I reflect on the loss of a former teacher and neighbor in Wausa, NE. Glenn and his wife lived across the street from me on Sherman St., and was also instrumental in being a superb teacher in 7th-8th grades. His life was fulfilling and his abilities in education was rewarding for all in his flock. "Thanks" Mac, you're my hero!

Earl & Carol (Thoms) Kueny

December 9, 2012

We remember the McBurney's from Exira. Earl taught in Exira at the same time. He was also a teacher in Wausa,NE when I was in high-school. Fond memories of the family. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Kathy Banas

December 6, 2012

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Earline Hulbert

December 2, 2012

Many memories of working with Mac through the PTO at Kreft. Sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers to the family

LoriAnn Gentry-Brougham

December 1, 2012

Mr. McBurney was a great man. I remember him well as a principal who was kind, fair and held all of us to high standards. Of course back then, as a kid, I didn't truly appreciate what he did for his students. Now, as a teacher I wish more administrators were like him. He knew all of his students and most parents by name, was well respected and visible at the school. Thanks to him for his years dedicated to education.
LoriAnn Gentry Brougham

November 30, 2012

Jim, Sherri, and Marcy. So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Our thought and prayers are with you.
Tim Rasmussen & Susie Poe Garnett, KS

Bill Fead

November 29, 2012

Thanks for your Military Service to Our Country.
Past Commander V.F.W.

Ken Loyd

November 29, 2012

So sorry for your loss. I remember your family from your years in Exira where you lived down the street from my Grandma, Jim was in my class.

Pamm McKern Killeen

November 29, 2012

Sympathies from the LC students and families who remember him as we were growing up.

Thomas McBurney

November 29, 2012

Was so sorry to hear of Glenn's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We do see Glenn's brother Don from time to time. Cousin Tom

April (Porter) Madsen

November 28, 2012

I am so sorry for the familys loss. I had him as a principal. I loved him. He will be greatly missed.

Tara Campbell

November 28, 2012

I will never forget him as our principal. He knew every child name and always greated us with a smile. He was my mom's principal then mine. He will be truely missed.

Barb Howard(Boege)

November 28, 2012

So sorry for your loss. Mac was a good boss and principal at Kreft.
sorry I didn't get to see him when I was in C.B. this summer.

November 28, 2012

Connie,
I am so very sorry to hear about Mac. What a special, dear man he was and I enjoyed his humor and fun when playing bridge at your house. You were so blessed to have each other's love for so many years and I know he will always be with you in your heart and soul. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and if I can do anything for you - just give me a call.
Kathleen Ferris

November 28, 2012

Jim, Sherri and Marcy,so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
The Tim Capel Family
Hot Springs, Ar.

Billy Pruitt

November 28, 2012

Mac was great and comforting father-in-law and friend. I will miss him very much

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