Walter R. Glende

HOFF CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER 507-452-4241Walter Robert Glende, 86, of San Jose, CA died, at his home, there on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rachael Elizabeth. (Papenfuss) Glende; son, Steven Walter Glende of San Jose, CA; one sister Marlys (Morken) Glende of Rushford, MN; and many nieces and nephews.Walter was born Nov. 19, 1927, in Winona, MN to Walter Wesley Glende and Selma Edith (Iverson) Glende. He married Rachael E. Papenfuss on August 16, 1949 in Sequin, TX. Walter had resided in the city of San Jose for over 15 years. He attended Washington-Kosciusko in Winona, MN. He received his GED while in the service.In his youth, he sang on Winona's KWNO radio for door prizes.He served in the U. S. Army Air Force from Dec. 5, 1945 - Dec. 19, 1946, The U. S. Air Force from Sep. 17, 1947 - Feb. 16, 1953, and the U.S. Marine Corps. Jun. 1, 1955 - Jun 31, 1966; retiring as a Staff Sergeant.From 1966 to 1989 he worked for, and retired from, the U. S. Civil Service. He first worked as a courier in Fallbrook, CA, a laborer in El Centro, CA and then as a Water Plant Operator in Yermo, CA.Walter enjoyed pitching horseshoes. He was the San Bernardino County National Horseshoe Pitcher's Association of America Class B Champion in 1976; winning the San Bernardino County Annual Championships held at the 1976 San Bernardino County Fair. He won 6 out of 7 matches, with a 32% ringer average.He graduated from the Berean School of the Bible on Mar. 28, 1980. He was ordained as a Minister by the National Chaplin's Association on Mar. 28, 1981, receiving his Chaplain's commission, of Colonel, on May 15, 1981, and ordained by the American Evangelical Christian Churches on Jul. 25, 1988.Walter established a Christian Service Men's Center in Barstow, CA. He served as an Associate Pastor at the Trinity Assembly of God Church in Daggett, CA.Walter and wife moved to Chippewa Falls, WI in 1989 to renew family ties.He served as the Pastor of the Evangelical Free Church in Danbury, WI from 1993 to 1995. During this time in WI, he sang with his sister Vivian (Glende) Burke at Women Aglow meetings in Winona, MN.Walter and wife returned to California, and settled in San Jose to be near their son, in 1998. He attended the Liberty Baptist Church (San Jose) and was a frequent guest of the, Elim German Community Church (Santa Clara), ministering in word and song.Walter loved to sing and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He had many friends on the east and west coasts that were touched by his service and ministry.Walter was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Kathleen (Charles Keeley) of MN, Vivian (James Burke) of MN, Betty (Wilfred Gau, Richard Donald) of MN and three brothers Maurice (Ada Struck) of TX, Brice (Audrey Milnarsek) of CA, Leo (Betty De Groot, Margaret Roth) of GA. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him for his honesty, integrity and love of his family.In keeping with Walter's wishes, he will be laid to rest in Hiler Cemetery, Nodine, MN. A graveside service, officiated by Rev. Dennis Hudson, and burial will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 13th, 2014.