Glenn Arthur Flansaas

NEW PORT BEACH, Calif.-Glenn Arthur Flansaas, passed away due to natural causes on September 14, 2017, where he has resided for 40 years.

Memorial Services will be held at the Malta Lutheran Church, Friday, October 20 at 2 p.m. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Malta Cemetery, Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Glenn was born in 1925 on the family farm in Loring, Mont. He was third of five children to Andrew and Bertha Flansaas. He married Mary Beste of St. Clair Shores, Mich., in 1954. They remained married until Mary's passing in 1984. After graduating from Loring High School in 1943, Glenn volunteered for military service and remained in the Air Force for 25 years. Glenn retired from the Air Force after his second tour in Vietnam and went to work as a commercial airline pilot for an additional 18 years. During his time as a pilot, Glenn visited all 50 states and 63 foreign countries. One of Glenn's most harrowing flights was when he was the flight engineer on the World Airways "Last Flight out of Da Nang". (Video available on YouTube.)

In spite of all Glenn's worldly travels, he never forgot his Montana roots as evidenced by this note that was in his personal belongings:

- My observation has been that nearly all countries have some outstanding unique features. When adding all the benefits of each country, none comes close to the good old U.S.A. Anyone who thinks someplace is better should go - and stay.

- Foreign travel is recommended because after you return you will appreciate some of the better things in life that you may have personally taken for granted such as good drinking water and fresh air.

- In my opinion, many of the finest people in the world can still be found in Phillips County. Many thanks for parents who taught me basic values during the depression, and outstanding teachers like Professor Scott, Miss Cruikshank, and Mr. LaFond.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, spouse, sister Anna Berdahl, brother-in-law Ed Berdahl, and brother Albert.

He is survived by: brother, John (Ruth) Flansaas, sister Mabel (Roy) Hockett, eleven nephews and nieces, cousins Anita Alexander, Lynn (Art) Verkler, and special friend and long-time companion Dee Lyons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Alzheimer's Association