Glenn Bell

Glenn Peter Bell, aged 84 passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 4, 2025, surrounded by his children and wife of 30 years, Kathleen Bell (nee Olen-VanDyke).
Glenn was born on November 21, 1940, to the late Clara (nee VandeBoom) and Fred Bell, and was raised on the family farm outside of Saukville, with his 6 siblings. Glenn's focus in life was faith, family and work. His faith in Christ started at his baptism and continued through his years at St. Mary's in Saukville, concluding with his devoted membership at Holy Angels in West Bend. Glenn graduated from Port Washington High School in 1958 and enjoyed re-connecting with his classmates at each class reunion.
He served his country in the Army National Guard. First in Fort Leonard, then Fort Riley and Fort Lewis in Washington state. He was a helicopter mechanic for H-13 and H-23.
In 1966, Glenn purchased his family farm where he and June Chapman (nee Kleinhans) raised their four children. He also began his work as a cabinet maker and carpenter, a trade that he would carry on throughout his life. Glenn had his own cabinet making business and kept farming, supplemented with crop and steers. In the late 70's, he took a position as a carpentry instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College, first at the south campus and later at the downtown campus, where he taught for 27 years. After retiring, Glenn and Kathi purchased a home in West Bend, where they formed lasting and loving friendships.
Glenn loved life on the farm, enjoyed gardening and canning with Kathi. He loved his sports teams, including the Packers and Brewers. His favorite players were Bart Starr and Eddie Mathews (he never really did forgive the Braves for leaving). He also loved deer hunting in the fall, turkey hunting in the spring and fishing year-round.
There is no doubt that Glenn will be known as a man of faith, a great husband and wonderful father. He would strike up a conversation with anyone and was a great story teller.
Glenn will be missed by his family, many friends and relatives. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathi; children: Brenda of Grafton; Brad (Angie) of West Bend – son Jack and daughter Maddee; Bart (Lisa) of Hartford – sons Brady and Brett; Jason (Kristin) VanDyke of Washington, D.C. and Bridget (Tim) Lindau of Janesville – sons Grant and Blake. He is further survived by his brother Jerry (Marcella) of Saukville; sister-in-law Eileen Bell of West Bend; many nephews, nieces and other family members.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 sisters Elvera (Norbert) Berend, Eileen (Harry) Brabender and Gladys (Foster) Braby, 2 brothers Donald and Alvin and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jesus said, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." John 14:1-3. Glenn has his room with his Savior.
Family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, November 21 at Holy Angels Catholic Church from 1 until 2:45 p.m. with a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 3 p.m. Urn placement will be on Saturday, November 22 at Holy Angels Cemetery.
The Schmidt Funeral Home is serving the family. Messages may be left in an online guestbook at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.