Glenn E. Potter

Glenn E. Potter
July 5, 1943 – December 23, 2022
Glenn Edward Potter was born to Russell and Lillian (Negly) Potter on July 5, 1943 in Canton, Illinois. The youngest of three boys, his childhood was centered on faith, hard work and the family business, Central Butane Gas (CBG) in Canton, Illinois. Glenn's teenage summers were spent working on the farm owned by his Aunt Louise and Uncle Chellis. He was a good student and began his college days at the University of Illinois, but quickly transferred to Ottawa Baptist University, Ottawa, KS where in 1965 he earned a degree in Finance.
Glenn married Karen Dent in 1965, the same summer he began working for CBG with his father and brothers. He soon left to become the Business Manager at Graham Hospital, Canton, Illinois just in time to help the hospital acclimate to a new law called Medicare. His son Allen was born at Graham Hospital in 1968, and daughter Anne the following year. In 1970, he moved to St. Louis, MO with his family to pursue a master's degree in health administration at Washington University. He graduated with honors and accepted a residency in Tempe, Arizona with Desert Samaritan Hospital System, where his first assignment was to oversee the construction of a new hospital. In 1973 he accepted an administrative associate position at the University of North Carolina Hospital – Chapel Hill. In 1977 he became Vice President of Operations at the Cuyahoga County Metropolitan Hospital System in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1982 he became Executive Vice President of the Iowa Methodist Hospital System in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1990 he became CEO and Vice Chancellor of the University of Kansas Hospital. Finally in 1996, he became the CEO of Health Enterprises based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, retiring in 2007.
While in Chapel Hill in 1977, Glenn married Barbara Williams, who subsequently adopted Anne. With Barbara's love and support, he established a strong professional reputation as a leader of people and ideas, capable of building strong relationships and bringing his visionary projects to fruition. A man of many talents, he inspired confidence and trust in others, from boards of directors to doctors to nurses to housekeeping staff in the many organizations in which he served. He saw everyone and valued their contributions in patient care.
Those who knew him best treasured his deep and resonant singing voice, his memory for and talent in telling jokes, his patience, and his twinkling smile. He was a tender and generous husband to Barbara. He empowered his children to be anything they wanted to be. He did not raise his voice or complain, even as health issues in recent years robbed him of vigor. He was whip-smart and affectionate, with a mind for math and music; he was a prodigious reader; he had a heart for fun and valued kindness. He only got up early for work or for golf, a hobby he relished for decades. He played all the prestigious golf courses across the U.S., plus Scotland and Ireland. He loved college basketball especially March Madness and was an avid UNC TarHeels and Kansas University Jay Hawks fan. Nothing was scheduled during those basketball tournaments. He started every day with Wordle. Glenn knew all the dogs in his neighborhood by name, and was known for carrying treats in his pocket just in case he ran into one of his canine friends. He was comforted in his final months with outreach from his many friends, former colleagues and the company of his family and beloved cat, Sophie Jo.
Glenn went to his eternal life with Jesus on December 23, 2022 after suffering a severe stroke on December 13, 2022. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, stepmother (Ruth), and brothers, John and Jim. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barbara; children, Allen (Natasa) of Denver, Colorado, and Anne Walters (Mike) of Plymouth, Minnesota; and grandson, Ronan Walters.
In honor of his deep affection for the many cats he loved, we encourage those who wish to make memorial gifts to direct them to the Humane Society of Sarasota County (Florida). This no-kill shelter has been a beacon to Sarasota animals and many animals from surrounding shelters who did not fare as well following Hurricane Ian in September 2022. www.hssc.org Additionally, Glenn would be pleased with a memorial to the Avon, Illinois Lions Club, where he found friendship and service to others in retirement.
A Celebration of Glenn's life to be held at Sarasota Baptist Church, 7091 Proctor Rd, January 16, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Memories and condolences can be left for the family online at www.MFHcares.com.