Glenn Petroelje ’52

After a brief illness, Dr. Glenn E. Petroelje, 88, of Holland, MI passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Blodgett Hospital surrounded by his children.

Glenn was born on February 23, 1932 in Zeeland to Gerrit and Georgianna Petroelje and was the second of their 5 sons. Glenn attended Holland Christian High School. While there, he excelled at sports and, more importantly, met the love of his life, Marilyn. After graduating from Hope College, Glenn and Marilyn married and moved to Chicago, IL, where he attended Northwestern University Dental School. From there, they moved to Fort Monroe, Virginia. Glenn was in the military from September 1949 to April 1977, first in active duty and then in the reserves as a MASH surgeon. By the time he was discharged he had reached the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1958, Glenn and Marilyn moved to Holland, MI, to raise their family and for Glenn to establish his dental practice. Glenn loved to spend time with his wife, family and friends. He enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, singing in the church choir, traveling in the motor home, spending winters in Florida and telling long stories.

Glenn was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; his brothers, Preston Petroelje and Robert Petroelje; as well as many dear brother and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his two brothers, Wayne (Barb) Petroelje and Audred (Cathy) Petroelje; four children, Dave (Gwen) Petroelje, Scott (Sandy) Petroelje, Debby (David) Collins, Tom (Marjo) Petroelje; grandchildren, Jamie Petroelje, Nick (Whitney) Petroelje, Matt, Josh, Stephen and Ben Collins, Brandon and Jared Kremkow; and great-grandchildren, Garrett and Abram Petroelje.

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