Glenn Willard Rye

Glenn Willard Rye, age 82, of Hessel, Michigan, died on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at McLaren Hospital in Petoskey, Michigan, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 26, 1936, in Pickford, Michigan, to Leonard Hilary and Dorothy Margaret (Smith) Rye. When Glenn was eleven years old, his parents purchased the Hessel Grocery store and moved to Hessel. Glen continued to attend Pickford Schools, graduating in 1954 from Pickford High School. He went on to school at Sault Tech, then served in the Army for two years, before going to Ferris State to earn his teaching degree. He taught Automotive classes at Sault High School for 28 years. Glenn loved cars but he also loved boats. He owned his own Chris Craft (the Callie Sue) as well as working on them every summer in Hessel. He spent every summer as a marine mechanic, working mostly on antique boat engines. He was instrumental in working at the annual Antique Wooden Boat Show from its very beginnings. Glenn was a wonderful organist who blessed the Hessel Presbyterian Church and the First Union Church in Cedarville with his talent for many, many years, starting when he was in the eighth grade until just a few years ago. He will be greatly missed by those who loved his music. Five years ago, Glenn adopted his fifth dog, Spike, who turned out to be his best buddy. He loved Spike so much! Spike was a great comfort to Glenn as his health declined. Glenn married Mary “Sue” Shanks in 1966 and they had three children in their 52 years together. He is survived by Sue; sons, Vaughn (Elizabeth) Rye and Zachary Rye, both of Hessel; daughter, Callie Hausler of Petoskey; four much loved grandchildren, Evan Rye, Rachael Rye, Shannon Hausler, and Keira Hausler; and his sister, Carol Duncan of Cedarville. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Dorothy Rye; in-laws, Carleton and Flossie Shanks, two brothers-in-law, Walter Krakowski and John Duncan; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Services will be held Saturday, February 23, at the First Union Church in Cedarville. A Gathering Time will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 Noon followed by a Memorial Service beginning at 12:00 Noon conducted by Pastor Jeffrey Meyers. Memorial contributions may be made to: Hessel Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 301, Hessel, MI 49745; First Union Church, P.O. Box 426, Cedarville, MI 49719; or Les Cheneaux Ambulance Auxiliary, P.O. Box 453, Hessel, MI 49745.

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Glenn Willard Rye

February 26, 1936 - February 12, 2019