Glenn Allen Overgaard, 67, Ellsworth, formerly of rural Luverne, died Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at the Parkview Manor in Ellsworth.
A memorial service was Tuesday, Feb. 22 at the Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne with burial at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne following the service.
Glenn Allen Overgaard was born on June 29, 1954, to Gordon and Alice “Mabel” (Tofteland) Overgaard in Luverne. He grew up on the family farm near Kanaranzi and attended country school through the sixth grade. He then rode the bus into Luverne to finish school. During his younger years, Glenn participated in FFA, raised and showed Suffolk sheep, and was a member of the debate team. While in high school, he took on the nickname, “Too Tall”. Glenn graduated from Luverne High School in 1972. He then attended Kansas State University for Ag Education until he was forced to drop out due to illness. While at college he was given the nickname, “Tree”. It was also during college that he met Dawn Hedges. The couple was married on November 15, 1975, at Scott City, Kansas. The couple later divorced. Glenn was employed various places during his working life, including for Luverne Oil Company and IBP in Luverne. He worked road construction, which included work on I-90 by Luverne and throughout North Dakota. He also lived and worked in Arizona for a year in food wholesale. In his early 40s, Glenn was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He remained actively working until he was forced to retire due to health. In June 2016, he became a resident at the Parkview Manor in Ellsworth.
Glenn was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He enjoyed racing cars, particularly in the enduro races, collecting coins, hunting, riding motorcycle cross-country, bowling and playing softball. Later in life, he took to vegetable gardening and was helpful in the Luverne Farmer’s Market. He volunteered frequently at the Eagle’s Club. Glenn struggled with alcohol and gambling during his life. He joined Alcoholics Anonymous, where he was able to share his personal story and help others with their battles with addiction. He could be a bit stubborn at time, but Glenn will be remembered for always being good hearted, telling jokes and having a fun time.
Glenn is survived by his two daughters, April Kempen of Morrison, Colorado, and her sister; three grandchildren, Aiden Kempen, Ethan Kempen, and Colin Leuthold; mother, Mabel Overgaard of Luverne; four siblings, Gary Overgaard of Magnolia, Marcia (Darrel) Johnsrud of Corcoran, Mark (Amy) Overgaard of Luverne, Loren (Julie) Overgaard of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; numerous relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Overgaard; and sister-in-law, Emily Overgaard.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
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