Glen J. Thorsted

 

Glen died Sunday April 2, 2023 at the age of 96. He died of natural causes at his home with his children by his side. Born to Edith and Otto Thorsted, he was raised in a family of five boys. He grew up in Ogden, Utah, on 2nd street, in the well-known Five Points area. Glen graduated from Ogden High School in 1944 and returned for many years up till his 90 Birthday to attend reunions with his friends and family. He served in the Merchant Marines and then the Army from Oct, 1944 through July 1947. Raised only a few blocks away, he met his love, Anita Mae Pledger, on his return from service and they married in October 1947.

After the war he took advantage of the GI Bill and Graduated from Utah State with a BS in Wildlife Management. After graduation he ran fish hatcheries in

New Mexico and loved his work. The family later ended up in Seattle in the late fifties. Glen then started his work with Boeing in Procurement. He retired after 35 years of service. He had a rewarding career that ranged from China Project team that opened engagement with China, to work on the 757 and others, including important defense programs. He was awarded Employee of the Year in 1981, for 757 Materials. He worked at multiple locations throughout the Seattle area and remembered fondly working his first position at the Smith Tower and ending his career in Materials as a Contract Administrator.

Glen was devoted to family and cared lovingly for his wife Anita during her long battle with a progressive form of Parkinson's disease. He remained close to his brothers- Edward, Blaine, George, Ray and their families.

He was also very close to Anita's family. Her sister Lorraine and husband Jack Helgesen, and their children Jack, Anne and Jill. And, close with Anita's brother George Pledger and his children, George and Jeff.

Throughout his life he had reverence for the natural world and traveled as much as possible. He wanted all his family to see the National Parks and experience the great outdoors. He continued to enjoy fishing, and hunting with his son and family. He enjoyed gardening and bird watching and was a talented craftsman helping rebuild his daughter's historical home in Kirkland, WA. The joy of his life was the arrival of his grandson, Jarrett Jopling Thorsted. Later in life he treasured travel and short trips together with Jarrett and family. He always considered himself to be a very fortunate man to have such a beautiful family and dear childhood friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Anita and their baby, Anita (died 1949).  Parents, and four brothers (Edward, Blaine, George and Ray). Glen is survived by his children, Glen Kent, Susan and grandson, Jarrett.

He is also survived by nieces and nephews and their families.

The family would like to thank Evergreen Hospice for their care in Glen's final hours. All dear family and friends for their love and support.

Glen was the last of his family from the Greatest Generation. He is deeply missed.

A private Graveside service will be held on Sept 16, at 11:00am at the Leavitt's Aultorest Memorial Park, Ogden, Utah. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Glen's family invites you to take your family to visit a National Park, enjoy the land he loved, and make a gift.