Glenn Mordine Obituary
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Born July 25, 1930, in Hayward, California, Glenn enlisted in the Navy at age 17 on the last day of WWII against Japan. He served two years in the submarine service on the USS Bugara. In 1950 he joined the Marine Corps, serving six campaigns with the 1st Marine Division in Korea including the Inchon Landing and the epic Chosin Reservoir campaign. After his first tour in Korea, Glenn volunteered for the newly formed first Amphibious Reconnaissance Company operating off submarines; he earned a meritorious promotion to Lieutenant in his second year of service. After retiring with the rank of Major, Glenn, a high school dropout, earned a BA and MA in Education.
The majority of his career in education was dedicated to serving the Yupik children of western Alaska; "It wasn't a job," he would say, "but rather service." He lived in five villages and Bethel. Known by some as Mr. Fixit, his many positions included teacher, principal, director of special education, director of programs, and principal of Bethel High School; he was especially proud of helping villages transition from state to locally operated schools.
With no real mentor in his life, Glenn felt his character formation was a result of his faith and his years in Marine Corps. He believed it was important to give back to country, community and church: he served as president of the Bethel Lion's Club and Chief of Staff of the Alaskan Veterans of Foreign Wars. At his Catholic church, he served on the pastoral council and debt reduction committee.
Glenn was preceded in death by his younger brother Merwin Mordine. He is survived by his wife Merlita, four children and four grandchildren. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to St Andrews of Eagle River or Doctors Without Borders.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Eagle River, AK on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11am.
Arrangements are with Janssen Funeral Homes.
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6901 E. Blue Lupine Drive, Palmer, AK 99654
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