Glen Edward Bilderbeck

Glen Edward Bilderbeck (88) died on January 10, 2025, from heart complications. He is survived by his wife, Ada Bilderbeck (nee Willis), and his sons, Nigle and Martin Bilderbeck along with their respective wives Denise Bilderbeck (nee Crowder) and Stacey Jeup-Bilderbeck (nee Fowlds), and eight grandchildren. The deceased was preceded in death by his mother Pearl Odle (nee Forrester) and his father Nigle Odle.

Glen, affectionately known as “Ed”, was born in Eldorado, Illinois where he grew up and went to grade school then completed high school at Hammond High in Hammond IN.  He met his life-long love (Ada), through happenstance, as Glen was a friend of Ray Willis (Ada's older brother) and Ada just broke up with her boyfriend.  Someone suggested Glen and Ada go to a movie together as friends. This “friends” date launched 68 years of marital bliss and two sons. He was drafted into the Army in 1960 and served 2 years in active duty at Fort Riley, KS and another 4 years in reserves where he was honorably discharged in 1966. He worked 40 years at Regional Bell companies in Northwestern Indiana before retiring in 1994 when he and Ada moved to Sandusky, MI to be close to Ada’s identical twin sister (Veda Reinelt wife of Dave Reinelt).

Glen was a life member of the Free & Accepted Masons. He sometimes appeared stern and stoic on the outside, but quite to the contrary he was warm, lovable, and generous on the inside.  He is most remembered for his hard work along with unwavering devotion, selflessness, and loyalty to his wife, family, and friends. Glen had a deep interest in his grandchildren’s lives and was laughingly known for his rather direct inquisitions of them. He enjoyed reading the bible; studying everything on the internet; playing Euchre every day and hanging out with dear friends at the Sandusky DQ. Glen was also a very courageous man with a numbing ability to endure and overcome physical pain best captured in his two separate stretches of cancer, broken bones, and ongoing heart challenges.

In February of 2024, Glen and Ada moved to The American House in Saint Clair Shores, MI to be closer to family.  Although the time there for Glen was brief, he made some wonderful friends, enjoying his favorite breakfast lovingly served up every morning, playing bingo, and long sunny afternoons on the porch. It brought Glen great peace and joy to know that his beloved Ada was happy, and he was thankful for the camaraderie and friendship they found there.

Lastly and most importantly, Glen accepted Jesus Christ in 1968, through a casual meeting with a neighbor, and was never the same.  Hearing and obeying God’s call upon his life became his passion. He served faithfully with his spiritual gifts, until his last breath, at Suburban Bible Church in Highland, IN and Countryside Free Methodist in Sandusky, MI.

He was loved and admired by many in his lifetime hence will be deeply missed. Nevertheless, we rejoice in the fulfillment of his glorification through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Arrangements were made by Apsey Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent online to apseyfuneralhome.net