He was born on August 18, 1939, in Detroit, the son of Conner and Evelyn Rose (Chauvin) Schoonfield. He attended Denby High School briefly before working at Joe Russo’s Garage, then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served active duty for three years, stationed at Ft. Sumter, S.C., followed by three years in the reserves; he played a role during the Bay of Pigs incident, interpreting photographs taken of military activities in Cuba. He earned a Good Conduct medal along with an honorable discharge, then began working for the Army Corps of Engineers to map the Michigan shoreline.
He met Jeanette Frantz through mutual friends while working for Russo’s. They married April 23, 1960; she followed him to Ft. Sumter, and then around Michigan until they settled in metro Detroit.
After leaving the Corps, he worked in building and planning for the city of Sterling Heights, then became Director of Public Services for the city of Auburn Hills, overseeing the city’s explosive growth and advancement as Oakland County’s heart of Automation Alley, including establishment of the Chrysler World Headquarters and the Palace of Auburn Hills, home to the Detroit Pistons for many years.
He completed his GED in 1962; then discovered a love of learning by earning a Bachelor of Accountancy from Walsh College, and a Master of Public Administration from Oakland University.
His first love was photography, including developing his own pictures; he also enjoyed the outdoors, especially astronomy, fishing and hunting. In later years, he became an avid reader before losing his eyesight.
Besides his wife Jeanette of 65 years, he is survived by his daughter, Susan (Dean) Robinson; nephews Jeffrey Schoonfield, Jon (Debbie) Schoonfield, and James (Beth) Schoonfield; and four great-nieces and -nephews: Violet, Madison, Hayden and Connor.
A gathering in remembrance of Glen’s life will be held November 22, 2025 from 11:00am until 2:00pm, at Pixley Funeral Home, Auburn Hills. In recognition of his service, interment will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Indiana Talking Books and Braille Library, the Dementia Association of America, or similar organizations.
