Glenn Arthur Chivers, 95, of Ottawa IL, (formally of Sandwich) passed away peacefully on March 11th, 2024 surrounded by family at his daughter’s home. Private services will be held on March 14th at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
He was born on May 13, 1928 (Mother’s Day) in Mecher, Iowa to Arthur and Ruth Chivers. He attended high school in Orion IL and was a three sport Hall of Fame athlete. He was drafted into the Army and served on the front line in the Korean War from 1951-1954. He received a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. He met the love of his life Ruth in a dance hall where he was known as quite the dancer. The two along with close friends danced regularly and enjoyed Big Bands such as the Johnny K Orchestra.
They married on November 18, 1951 before he went off to war. They were married for 72 years.
Together they had two children. A son, David (Simone) and a daughter Diane (Charles) who they raised in Sandwich IL. Glenn had five grandchildren, Heather, Andrew, Jordan, Lauren, and Dillon. He also had five great-children and was excited to have one on the way. Glenn adored his grandchildren and loved seeing them in educational activities, field trips, many sporting events, and taking them to the horse races. Glenn was a man of faith and raised his children and grandchildren to have a strong faith in God.
He was an active member in The United Church of Sandwich where he sang in the choir, was on the pastor-parish, and the trustee committee. He enjoyed being on the building committee to that church being built. We know Heaven’s gates were opened easily as God welcomed them into the kingdom of Heaven. Glenn later attended Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa and sang in the choir.
Glenn was a teacher- grade school, high school and later became principal, athletic director, and
dean of students.
Discipline was very important to him and his students referred to him as “Chief Chivers” (the mascot of Sandwich High School was the Indians) He was a proud member of the Sandwich teacher’s union where he stood on the picket-line during a teacher’s strike. He was also a track coach and helped many students get scholarships. Glenn was a proud Democrat and he and Ruth supported peace in times of war. Glenn and his wife Ruth, along with son-in-law Charles Funk operated Funk Studio Graphics and Wide Water Gallery. He especially liked wildlife and religious art.
His hobbies included cheering on the Chicago Bulls and St. Louis Cardinals, golfing, going to the horse races, and poker. Glenn and Ruth went on cruises and were part of the Nifty 50’s group where they played cards and traveled to Hawaii, Spain, Greece, and the Holy Lands. They also built five houses throughout their marriage. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, parents Arthur and Ruth Chivers, daughter-in-law Cheryl Chivers, and grandson, Andrew Chivers.
Memorials may be directed to Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa or United Church of Sandwich.
Glenn was laid to rest at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.