Glenn Neihardt

Donald "Glenn" Neihardt, formerly of Traverse City, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 14th, 2017. His wife Kathy was by his side. He was born January 13th, 1934 to Julia Mabel (Hart) and Samuel Emmett Neihardt. He grew up in South Boardman and Traverse City, the youngest of nine children. As a young man, he worked on the Alaska Railroad and then joined the Army. He married Margo Diane (Bell) on December 15th, 1957; they had two children: Michelle Diane and Donald Glenn. Glenn worked for the US Postal Service for 33 years, retiring in 1996. Margo passed away in April of 2000. Glenn was blessed to have had two great loves in his life, and married Katherine (Goodheart) Renaud on October 25th, 2003. After retirement, Glenn enjoyed part-time contract driving and volunteer projects. He had a loving concern for disadvantaged people, especially hungry children. He loved to make car trips and to collect mugs (and shot glasses) from places he visited. He also collected hats and message pins, and crossword puzzles were his passion. He loved to play Santa Claus to Margo's daycare children, and of course his beard made him look very authentic! He deeply loved, and was loved by his extensive family and many friends, especially at First Christian Church in Traverse City. His son especially remembers him as a great role model for being a father. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Margo, brothers Sam and Carol Neihardt, sisters Barbara (Husk), Jean (Gassel) Joanne (Kennedy), Step-daughter Juanita Renaud, and daughter Joy in 1957. He is survived by his wife Katherine Neihardt, children Michelle (Don) Takehara and Donald Neihardt; step daughter Sara (Johan Bracko) Hornick, and former daughter-in-law Denise Neihardt. Also by grandchildren Brittany Neihardt, Margo Takehara, Jeremy Takehara, Brian Flanagin, Steven Flanagin, Jessica Renaud, Michelle Bridges, Alex Hornick and Christopher Hornick. Visitation will be Sunday, December 17th from 4-7 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, and a celebration of life will be held at First Christian Church in Traverse City on Monday, December 18th at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to First Christian Church. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to sign Glenn’s online guestbook and to share your memories with the family.

Glenn Neihardt

January 13, 1934 - December 14, 2017