Glenn Spitzenberger

Glenn was born on November 20, 1939 in Dime Box, Texas to Henry and Dora Spitzenberger. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 21, 2022 @ 10;30 am @ St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dime Box, with Father Melvin Dornak as Celebrant. The Interment will follow in St. Joseph Church Cemetery. The family will receive guests from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with the Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell.

He learned the value of hard work during his childhood through farming and ranching.  He worked hard in the fields alongside his parents, raising watermelons, sweet potatoes, and cotton.  Many hours were spent harvesting crops and cutting wood for the winter.  While not in the fields working, he attended Dime Box ISD where he graduated in 1958.

In high school, Glenn excelled in track (State Qualifier) and acquired a love for basketball.  He continued this love of the game throughout his life as he became the official clock keeper for the Dime Box Athletics’ program.  Upon graduation, Glenn enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served until he was honorably discharged.

He met the love of his life, Marie Supak, in December of 1962 at a CYO volleyball tournament in Dime Box.  After a short courtship, Marie and Glenn knew that they were destined to be together.  They were united in marriage on August 31, 1963 at St. Joseph’s Church by Father George Tydlacka. They were married for 59 years.  During these years, where you saw one, you saw the other.

Glenn was the sole bread earner working 35+ years at ALCOA as a millwright, while Marie was a stay-at-home mom raising their four children and her younger brother.  This partnership served them well.  Glenn worked many hours of overtime to provide extras for his family.  Eventually the long hours caught up with him and he retired early due to health concerns.

Glenn had a servant’s heart. He was gracious and always wanted to offer a helping hand. He loved people and interacted with them in various ways.  We often teased him that he would have been the perfect “Walmart” greeter.  This is a standing joke that always makes his family smile.

Glenn was a volunteer fireman for the Dime Box Fire Department.  He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. The most recognized duty overall was serving the Dime Box I.S.D. School Board for nearly four decades.  He was recognized for his years of service with a building dedicated in his honor in 2009.

Driving around the pasture to look at his cows and feed his fish with the family was a daily event.  He took pride in his accomplishments.  He passed this love down to his children and grandchildren.  Many memories were made that will be cherished forever.

One of Glenn’s favorite pastimes was traveling with his many friends.  This included Polka Cruises to Garden tours. Many friendships were made along the way.  Cruising around the world and seeing God’s work was his favorite.  Alaska was one of the best trips.  He loved it so much that this was a trip made more than once.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dora (Hannes) Spitzenberger, and his brother and Sister-in-law, Eugene and Herma Spitzenberger.

He is survived by his wife, Marie (Supak) Spitzenberger of Dime Box, his children, Pamela (Dennis) Zimmerhanzel (of Deanville), Penny (John) Simmang (of Giddings), Keith (Lee Ann) Spitzenberger (of Nursery), and Monica Gravenmier (Mark McEnteggart of Dime Box), and Ray (Cathy) Supak (of Clear Lake).

Glenn’s pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren:  Magan (Dustyn) Blasig and their two children, Everett and Gentry (of Pflugerville); Amanda Supak (of Minnesota); Rev. Cameron (Kayleigh) Supak (of Whitehouse); Justin (Kristina) Zimmerhanzel and their three children, Jemma, Jacy & Kale (of Deanville); Ashley (Jacob) Schaefer (of Deanville); Sara Simmang (of Bryan), Austin Simmang (of Bryan), Allison Spitzenberger (of Austin); Brooke Spitzenberger (of Nursery); Ryan O’Steen (of Virgina); Joshua Spitzenberger (of New York); and Carisa Woodward (of Dime Box).

“He knew this world was not home. He knew death.  Here is not forever. He knew the Kingdom better than anyone else could. And He wept.  Because this world is full of pain and regret and loss and depression and devastation, He wept because knowing the end of the story doesn’t mean you can’t cry at the sad parts.”

John 11:43