Glenn Standley Hellberg

Glenn, a loving father and husband, missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Special Education Teacher, departed this life unexpectedly on the 6th of April, 2019 at 60 years of age. His sudden passing leaves a large void in the lives of his immediate and extended family, his friends, his brothers and sisters in the church, and in several small communities where he lived. Glenn was born in Portland, Oregon on February 10, 1959, but grew up in the central valley of California, where he became passionate about health and fitness and competed in track and field for Downey High School in Modesto. He became a dedicated disciple of the gospel of Jesus Christ and served in the Kentucky, Louisville mission from 1978 to 1980. Upon returning home, he met and married his first wife, Kathleen Peterson, and raised 5 children with her while working at Stiles Custom Metal in Ceres, CA. A few years after Kathy's tragic passing, Glenn met and married his second wife Rena, moving to the Sacramento area and pursuing a career in special education, working with autistic and special needs children. Glenn was also an accomplished writer and poet, having authored a full-length novel, Liberty's Shadow, in 2013, along with numerous compilations of unpublished poetry and journals. He enjoyed collecting movies and watching them with his family. He was a devoted and loving son, husband, father and grandfather and was steadfast in his faith, serving in several leadership roles or callings within the church. Glenn was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathy; 2 siblings, Gary and Carol; his father Georg; his stepfather Gordon; and his beloved grandparents. He is survived by his current wife Rena; his mother Alta; his children Glenn Jr., Kara, Melissa, Kristine, and Joshua; his stepchildren, Dominic, Franko and Elisheva; his siblings Dennis and Linda; Rita, Anita, Brenda, Wallace, Lynn and Julie; and 10 grandchildren. Glenn will be remembered lovingly for his commanding and gentle presence, his love for his family, and his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A celebration of Glenn's life will be held at 11AM on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4125 San Juan Avenue, Fair Oaks, CA. Interment will be at Burwood Cemetery in Escalon, CA. ***The family requests that In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Organization for Autism Research (OAR). https://researchautism.org/