Glenn Howard Marcussen

July 11, 1927 ~ October 2, 2016

Glenn was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of Danish immigrants Alfred and Bodil Marie Marcussen. He had three sisters: Ethel, Evelyn and June and three brothers: Earl, Robert and Richard.

Glenn loved to swim, ice skate, hike up the river to his favorite fishing spots and, of course, at 6' 6", play basketball.

His first job was delivering newspapers on his bicycle. He worked in the fields detasseling corn and picking strawberries. He also worked on the railroad. Glenn wanted to be an inventor but when the city engineer, Mr. Beisner, became his mentor, he decided to become an engineer.

Glenn served in the Army during WW II, stationed in Japan. With the GI bill, his dream of becoming an engineer came true. He enrolled in the School of Engineering at the State University of Iowa, graduating with a major in civil engineering.

Glenn's first job as an engineer was with the Canal Zone Authority in Panama. There he met and later married the love of his life, Bruny Lugo. He held engineering posts in St. Louis, MO, Tillamook, OR and Oceanside, California, before serving as the City Manager for the City of Coalinga from 1962 to 1986.

Two major accomplishments of his administration are well remembered. He formed a coalition that brought the first surface water to Coalinga. The city no longer had to rely on water hauled by train from Armona. Second, after the 1983 earthquake, he quickly implemented his plan to rebuild the city, and help those so affected by the devastation.

In retirement, he is remembered for his support of the Arts at West Hills College, his work at the museum, and his dedication to recording regional history.

Most of all, Glenn will best be remembered for his kindness to everyone and his commitment to the community of Coalinga.

Glenn died at King's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hanford on October 2, 2016. He is survived by his three sisters, Ethel Gallagher of Bartlett, TN, Evelyn Hatch of Pearblossom, CA, and June Blanford of Cedar Falls, IA, and one brother, Richard Marcussen of Cedar Falls, IA

You may post your remembrances on the People's Funeral Chapel website @ www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com

If you wish to make a donation in Glenn's name, please consider the Coalinga Community Foundation, the Arts at West Hills College or the Imaginarium.