Obituary of Glenn E. Steyers

Glenn E. Steyers, 92, of State College, died Monday, July 3, 2017 at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College. Born February 9, 1925 in Bethlehem Pennsylvania he was the fifth child of the late Merle Ellsworth and Lillian Estelle Fritz Steyers. He married Gloria Jean Seifert on August 2, 1947, who died January 23, 2008. Glenn is survived by two children Glenn David Steyers of Palmyra Pennsylvania and James Edward Steyers, and his wife Susan of State College; two grandsons Matthew James Steyers, and Timothy David Steyers. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister. He graduated from Liberty High School, Bethlehem PA in 1944 and entered the US Air Force where he served as a crew member on B17's and B24's. Upon discharge, achieving the rank of Sargent, he married Gloria Seifert. Glenn entered Penn State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1952 and a masters degree in 1954 in Landscape Architecture. He served in the private sector for a number of years and then returned to Penn state to teach. While at Penn State he was invited to West Virginia University to start a program in Landscape Architecture. During his tenure at West Virginia University he was sent to Morogoro East Africa in Tanganyika, now Tanzania, to design an Agriculture College. Upon completion of the project Glenn returned to West Virginia University where he continued to develop the Landscape Architecture program and was named Assistant Director of Physical Plant. After several more years at West Virginia University he returned to Penn State in 1969 to continue his work in Landscape Architecture. Working in collaboration with the Horticulture department he developed a program in Landscape Contracting and for many years was directing program activities. He then retired a few years after the program was active and continued to consult in the growth of the program. Glenn loved the outdoors and spent many hours hunting, fishing and tending to his garden at home. During his youth he opened graves by hand at the Fairview Cemetery in Bethlehem. Glenn was a member of Grace Lutheran Church where he served as a Deacon to Pastors Dale Bringman and Robert M.A.L. Miller. A private graveside service with the Reverend P. Stevens Lynn officiating. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S Garner St, State College, PA 16801 or the American Cancer Society at cancer.org. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on facebook.