Philip Glende

Philip Arthur Glende, age 75, of Columbus, Ohio, went from his earthly life to Eternal Life on May 23, 2024.  Phil had been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in May of 2023.  He fell and broke his hip on May 15, 2024, but due to the condition of his lungs from the fibrosis, surgery was not possible.   He knew at that point like the Apostle Paul, “The time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

Phil was born on October 10, 1948, in Arlington, Minnesota to Arthur and Ruth Glende. He was baptized as a child of God on October 20, 1948, and confirmed in his faith on April 15, 1952, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm, MN.  Phil graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. In 1974, he received a Master of Science in Education degree from Wayne State College in Wayne, NE.  

In high school and college, Phil was a very strong member of the tennis teams. In 1969, Phil met the love of his life, Kathleen (Kathy) Brug, while at Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN where they were both studying to be Christian grade school teachers. They were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bay City, MI on June 6, 1971.

Upon graduation in 1970 Phil was assigned to St. Paul’s Lutheran in Plymouth, NE.  He served there for 8 years before taking a call to St. Luke’s in Watertown, WI where he served for 1 year.  In 1979, Phil accepted a call to serve at St. Paul’s in Columbus, OH where he served for the remainder of his ministry.  During that time he taught grades 3&4, 5&6, 7&8 over 38 years and served as St. Paul’s principal from 1980 until his retirement in 2017.

If you knew Phil, you knew he loved St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School!  He loved teaching, being the principal and in his extra time (especially in retirement) serving at St. Paul’s.   From directing and singing in the Sr. Choir and regularly playing the organ and piano for worship services from the time he arrived in 1979 until his last Sunday in church to teaching Sunday school, serving on the church council as an Elder and Chairman of the Outreach Team and even overseeing the dessert room staff at this year’s mother-daughter banquet – to say he was involved at St. Paul’s is an understatement.  In his additional free time, you would have found him playing cards or tennis, sitting in his recliner watching sports of all kinds especially, THE Ohio State University football and basketball teams and Cleveland Guardians, and regularly enjoying ice cream.  In truth he was a simple man - he loved Jesus, his family, St. Paul’s Church & School and Columbus, OH which was his home.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathy Glende; their sons, Tim (Holly) Glende, Tom (Susan) Glende and Andy (Lauren) Glende; their 8 grandchildren, Miranda (Zachary) Flunker, Noah (Lindsay) Glende, Simeon Glende, Charis Glende, Solideo Glende, Petros Glende, Jillian Glende and Jacob Glende; and 2 great grandchildren, Ada Flunker and Jaylen Flunker.

He is further survived by his sisters; Naomi Schaetzke, Rachel (Jon) Scharlemann, brother-in-law John (Irene) Brug, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ruth Glende; Kathy’s parents, Jacob and Jean Brug; his brother-in-law Marvin Schaetzke, and his nephew Paul Brug.

Mr. Glende (as he was known to his students, the members of St. Paul’s and also once by Tim at the dinner table) was a kind, caring Christian man who loved Jesus and more than anything wanted others to know the love of Jesus!   We could not have asked God for a better husband, father, papa, teacher and friend than the one He gave to our family and the St. Paul’s family. Thank you for leaving a legacy of faith and an example of a servant’s heart for all of us!  We love you and know that we will see you again soon in heaven. “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master’s happiness.” (Matthew 25:23)

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church which will be designated in his honor to be used for St. Paul’s Carpet Replacement Fund.

Family will receive friends Monday, June 10, 2024, from 4 – 7 pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 322 E. Stewart Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43206 where the funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 10:30 am with Pastor Snowden Sims and Pastor Ross Gottschalk officiating. Interment to follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements with GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High St., Columbus, OH. 43207. To leave an online condolence for Phil’s family please visit his tribute page at www.graumlichfuneralhome.com