Glenn C. Varner

Glenn Charles Varner was born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania on March 31, 1936, and he was one of Melvin and Ruth (Bear) Varner’s eight children. He graduated from Shippensburg Area School District in 1954, a first-generation high school graduate.

In 1954, Glenn enlisted in the United States Army during which time he served his country abroad during the Korean conflict. While serving, he continued his budding courtship of his beloved Thelma Gettel, with promises of a life together. Glenn received an Honorable Discharge from military service in 1957 and continued to serve his country as an Army Reservist until 1963. He took great pride in his country and in being a United States Army veteran, and he continued this pride through two of his grandsons who serve in the military.

On July 6, 1958, Glenn married the love of his life, Thelma Gettel. Eventually, they made Boiling Springs their home where they raised two daughters. After a few starter jobs, Glenn began a career of 40 years with Carlisle Tire and Rubber which evolved to Carlisle SynTec Systems from which he retired in 1998. Glenn worked his way from a swing shift laborer role to a production scheduler during his tenure. He was a hardworking, energetic colleague, and many coworkers remained lifelong friends he and Thelma socialized with throughout the years. Hosting an annual Pig Roast which began with the talents of one such work friend was one of his greatest joys.

Glenn was a devoted and involved member of his church community, first at St. John Lutheran Church in Boiling Springs and later the Carlisle First Church of God. He and Thelma made lifelong friendships with many church friends with whom they enjoyed regular gatherings. Dinners, picnics, and holidays were shared with their dear friends for more than 60 years.

Glenn was also a member of the Carlisle Industrial Management Club and a long-standing member of the Carlisle Elks Lodge. He enjoyed participating in his company-sponsored and church sports leagues, including a softball league, volleyball games, and a bowling league. He attended the Shippensburg Produce Auction regularly where he made deep long-lasting friendships. Glenn also enjoyed volunteering his time and talents while serving others and went on a mission trip to Louisianna during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts with his auction buddies.

Glenn loved attending any event in support of his beloved grandchildren - sporting events, graduations, band or choral concerts, celebrations, awards ceremonies – he honored each event with the same attention and support. He also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in keeping his property tidy. He engineered and crafted many creative wood working projects for others, and he was a passionate puzzler.

But most of all, Glenn Varner had a deep love for his family. He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Thelma; two loving daughters, Pam Kammerer (Jared) and Kim Spisak (Steven); seven grandchildren Carrie Powell (Andrew), Patrick Line (Kristin), Drew Line (Chelsey), Anna Spisak, Joe Spisak (Carissa), Mary Spisak, and Emma Spisak; and six precious great grandchildren, Jacob Line, Charles Line, Allie Line, Rowan Line, Karlie Powell, and Sev Spisak (who will be welcomed in the next few days). He treated his family like his greatest treasure and provided each one with unconditional and unwavering love.

A visitation with Glenn’s family will be held at 10:00 am followed by services at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 7, at the Carlisle First Church of God, 705 Glendale Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. Interment services at Fort Indiantown Gap Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to their church.