Glen Symons

Glen Symons, 67, of Langdon, ND passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015 at the VA Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Glen George Symons was born May 13, 1947 to Ann and George Symons in Langdon, ND. His family attended Our Savior’s Episcopal Church and he participated in the Presbyterian youth activities. While growing up in Langdon he was active in Boy Scouts, football, wrestling, and FFA. He graduated from Langdon High School in 1965. Glen felt the urge to call himself a Bison and attended North Dakota State University. He pledged the AGR Fraternity, but left to serve his country in the United States Coast Guard before he was initiated.

Glen enjoyed his time as a �Coastie’ earning the rank of Boatswain’s Mate, 2nd Class as his Cutter moved from port to port up and down the East Coast. Little did he know magic was in the air on a warm August night while on leave. He spotted a stunning brunette across the dance floor while attending the �August the Deuce’ celebration in Mountain. He asked Carla Cae Ellingson from Park River for what he thought would be a simple dance but instead blossomed into eternal love (and 43 and ½ years of marriage!). They exchanged vows on June 11th 1971 in Park River. He finished his time in the service, and after graduating from NDSU with a Bachelor’s in Animal Science, they moved back to the family farm in Osnabrock.

Through the years Glen was very involved in the community. Early in their marriage they joined the United Lutheran Church in Langdon. He loved his church and was active to the very end, serving as Church Council President and even leading a Sunday Service. Having the opportunity to lead that service and give his homily was one of his proudest moments. He spoke of that day often. In the early years he was also known as �The Singing Farmer’ and would play for audiences ranging from grade school classrooms to bars to weddings. He had a special talent for connecting with his listeners, especially the little children who were drawn to his soft baritone voice and melodic acoustic guitar when he was invited to play. He was the Manilla Township Supervisor, a volunteer for the Osnabrock Fire Department and a Cub Scout Leader. He was a member of the Eagles Aerie #3454 and the American Legion Post 98 in Langdon. He also joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Crofton Lodge #3 in Devils Lake.

Glen had a wonderful and fulfilling Masonic life. He was twice a Past Master of Lebanon Lodge #34 in Langdon and also Tongue River Lodge #22 in Cavalier. He was a charter member of the International Peace Garden Lodge as well as a member of Yellowstone Historic Lodge #88. He served as Grand Lecturer for the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, District Deputy Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Lecturer. He was the Chaplain of Kem Shrine three times as well as a member of the 49er’s Shrine Club, Model T’s Unit and was honored as a lifetime member of the Fourth Floor Club. He was a member of the York Rite and was also awarded the great honor of 33rd Degree in the Scottish Rite. He was humbled by receiving both the King Solomon Award from the Grand Master of ND as well as the Samsar Jewel Award from the Kem Potentate.

Glen loved the farm where he was able to till the soil. He was a gadget guy who would buy any new contraption to tinker with. He was a devoted Husband who was always willing to make his wife happy. He was an amazing Dad continually armed with a gentle hug and a calming word. He was a sweet �Grandpa, Grandpa, Grandpa’ who bought hundreds of rubber ducks for the grandchildren that he loves so much. You couldn’t tear his phone or Facebook out of his hand and he always had a �like’ to give. He was a humble member of a community that he loved with all his heart.

Glen is survived by wife Carla; children: Bobbi Cae Myhre, Kathy (Chadd) Larson, Jennie Hanten, Steve (Libby) Symons; grandchildren: Ashly, Brittany, Jordyn, Chris, Ryland, Noah, Baby Symons; siblings: Joan Rosetter, Diane (Gerry) Anders, James Symons; brothers-in-law LeRoy Peterson & Pete Hunter and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, sister Bette Peterson, brother-in-law Richard Rosetter, sister-in-law Carolee Hunter, a niece, and a nephew.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 24, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church of Langdon, ND.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 23rd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service and masonic service at the United Lutheran Church of Langdon, ND.