Dick Glau, age 93 of Lake View, IA, passed away peacefully December 4, 2023, at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Sioux City. Dick Edward Glau was born August 13, 1930, to Edson and Edna (Carstens) Glau in Davenport, IA. His family moved to Charter Oak, IA, after his mother’s passing in 1932. Dick graduated from Charter Oak High School with the Class of 1948.
Upon graduation, Dick began working as a carpenter for a construction company. While on a job in Odebolt, IA, he met the love of his life and future wife, Barbara Ann Murr. Barb worked as a waitress in an Odebolt café, which is where she caught the eye of Mr. Glau. The two were married June 24, 1951, in Denison, IA. A few months later, Dick was drafted into the United States Marine Corps and they moved to California. He was honorably discharged October 6, 1953, and the couple returned to Iowa, residing in Webster City. Dick resumed his carpentry career with the same construction company as before.
After moving to Fort Dodge in 1960, he assisted with building the Fort Museum, Friendship Haven, Simpson Health Center, Federal Building, and several other commercial structures.
Dick and Barb were blessed with four children, Cathy, Carol, Joanne, and Gary. Over the years the family enjoyed several extended trips as well as spending weekends at a shared family home in Lake View.
Following Dick’s retirement in 1992, the couple moved to Lake View. They were dance partners from their first date and their new hometown had its own ballroom. They visited many dance halls together across the state. Even before retirement, they had begun wintering in Arizona where many of their favorite dance bands regularly played. Dancing together was a fun and meaningful part of their 72-year marriage; they made many great friends through this activity.
Dick walked for fitness, going four to five miles most days. He enjoyed riding his bike around Black Hawk Lake. He was a great pool player and an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. He tracked every Hawkeye sports schedule so he could watch the team on TV whenever possible. He also cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs. Most mornings you could catch him at Sparky’s in Lake View having coffee with the guys. He was a member of the Lions Club, VFW, the American Legion, and Lakes United Methodist Church.
Dick was a friend to everyone and loved helping others. Above all, he loved his family. Dick and Barb set a great example of a strong, loving, and dedicated marriage. He was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Barb Glau of Lake View, IA; daughter Joanne (Dale) Bruce of West Des Moines, IA, and son Gary Glau of Jensen Beach, FL; grandchildren Patrick Glau, Aaron Bruce and wife Katie Rawlins, and Alexa (Mark) Schulte; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Dolores Sprouse of Fostoria, IA; many nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by parents Edson and Edna Glau; stepmother Betty (Breckenridge) Glau; infant daughters Cathy Ann and Carol Lynn; sister Lois (Joe) Maher; brothers Robert (Alma) Glau and Jack Glau; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS memorials may be sent to either of the organizations listed below:
Lakes United Methodist Church
501 2nd Street
Lake View, IA 51450
or
East Sac High School Food Pantry
801 Jackson St
PO Box 110
Lake View, IA 51450
