Glenn Joseph Handrick

Glenn Handrick, a life-long resident of Minocqua, passed away from natural causes on the night of December 3rd, 2020. Prior to his recent and sudden illness, Glenn had never spent a single day in a hospital in his 92 years -- including at the time of his birth. Glenn was born in Minocqua on August 25, 1928 to George and Florence Handrick. His parents preceded him in death as did his brothers Eugene "Jute" Handrick and LaVerne Handrick, his sisters Arlene Feldbruegge and Marie Jeske, and his son Tommy Handrick. Surviving Glenn are Doris - his wife of 68 years, his daughter Jeanne (Steven) Mather, his sons Patrick, Michael (Martha), and Joey (Sue), 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Betty Stuth and Florence Korb. Glenn met Doris while stationed in Washington DC during his 4 year service in the United States Air Force. Glenn owned and operated Lakeland Gas Service (thus his nickname "Gassy") in Minocqua. He also co-owned Lakeland Laundromat with his brother Vern. Glenn was a pioneer in the early days of snowmobiling. He operated one of the area's first dealerships selling SnoJets. He even rented them until a couple ended up at the bottom of a lake. Glenn snowmobiled well into his 80s. After retirement, Glenn drove medical vans for the local transport service, taking seniors to and from their appointments. He and Doris also operated Island City Bed and Breakfast. Known to many as "Mr. Minocqua", Glenn deeply loved his hometown. Much like George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life," Glenn never left Minocqua to get rich. Instead, he stayed here and made Minocqua a richer place to live. Two of his favorite parts of town were Ruebentown where he grew up and the Squirrel Lake/Bo di Lac area. Glenn Handrick was Minocqua’s walking, talking historian. Very few living individuals have the first-hand knowledge of the people, places and events of the Minocqua area that he had. It has affectionately been said that, "his business was knowing everybody else's business." Behind that quip is the reality that Glenn was deeply involved in town government, civic clubs, social life, and sports. In short, he knew everything that was happening because he was a part of nearly everything that was happening. Glenn served 18 years on the Minocqua Town Board and instilled a sense of community service in his children. He was an active member of the American Legion and past member of the Minocqua Lions Club, the Minocqua Chamber, the Minocqua Fire Department, and the Minocqua JCs. He earned numerous recognitions over the years including the Outstanding Young Man from the JCs and a spot on the Minocqua Wall of Fame along with his two brothers. Mostly, however, he preferred not to be the center of attention. On occasion he would acknowledge his family's role in the community with a bit of self-deprecation. When he and his brothers were introduced to a stranger at the Parkway restaurant, he told the person, "Now you know what people mean when they say we carry a lot of weight in town". Glenn was one of the early members of the famous Parkway coffee klatch. Over the decades he served as a coach, a referee, a team sponsor, and a fan of multiple sports and teams. Glenn religiously followed his favorite sports teams from local T-Bird athletics to the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He was a Packers season ticket holder and attended the legendary Ice Bowl. He was always up-to-date on local athletes and was a regular in the Lakeland bleachers for football, basketball, wrestling and hockey long after his kids graduated. A private family viewing will be held. Because Glenn spent his life serving his community, the family wishes the community to be able to safely participate in the celebration of his life.

As such, they will hold a public Celebration of Service gathering for Glenn will be on Sunday, July 25th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the 70 West Park and Pavilion with Military Honors at 3:00 pm

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers and gifts, residents make a donation to Camp American Legion in Lake Tomahawk and help support the ability of Wisconsin veterans to come and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the north. For more information go to the camp's website at www.campamericanlegion.org.