Glenn Deibert

On the banks of the South Solomon River, during a severe Spring blizzard, W. Glenn Deibert was born to Frank and Bertha (Cressler) Deibert on March 26, 1931 on the Walker Ranch, Southeast of Hoxie, Kansas. Having lost two babies, this precious bundle was a joy beyond words. They soon moved to the Wright Ranch, Southwest of Hoxie, where Glenn grew up in the Dust Bowl of the Great Depression. The great outdoors and the 11 Mosier children were his playmates. His many pets were his constant companions. Glenn had a dog by his side his entire life. Growing up in the 30’s were lean years, but he used the adversity to become self-reliant and skillful. Many a problem horse was brought to Frank and Glenn for training. One of his favorites was “Ole Nick.” As horses gave way to mechanization, his life-long love of mechanics was born. A motor of any kind was music to his ears. He was witness to dramatic improvements in the agricultural age during his lifetime. Glenn attended St. Paul’s country school and graduated from Hoxie High School with the Class of 1949. He looked forward to Homecoming Parades and seeing his classmates. Glenn found the love of his life, Marjorie Oren, near Selden, Kansas. They were married on August 13, 1949 at the First Christian Church in Hoxie. They moved to Esbon, Kansas and worked for Dallas and Garnett Thomas raising registered Hereford cattle. They welcomed Jim and Janice to their “rock house” during this time. They made many life-long friends in Jewell County. In 1955 they came back “home” and Glenn worked for C.M. Patmon’s salvage yard. Shirley joined the family in the “little” house. In 1958 they rented their own farm Northeast of Hoxie in the McGraw community for 17 years. Bill was born to them here. The entire family put their heart and soul into their farm. Glenn and Marjorie always made time for fun and pets amongst the work. Glenn would play the guitar and sing the old-time cowboy songs. His singing with his family on the hilly road to McGraw church is a special memory. Glenn and Marjorie milked cows, drove school buses, raised every kind of livestock, and sold DeKalb seed. He was the top Satanta seed wheat seller one year. In 1964 they were some of the first to dig irrigation wells in Sheridan County. Dad was so proud of those Cummins Diesel motors. They also built a feedlot and fed out cattle. A highlight was the top pen of cattle at St. Joseph, Missouri one year. What fun to get to ride with dad in his semi to the stockyards. In 1974 their rented farm was sold and they moved to Hoxie putting their energies into custom harvesting. They moved to the east edge of Hoxie where they found another community of treasured friends. Many a Hoxie youth found a summer job with their harvest crew. Glenn saw threshing machines grow into the combines of today. His knowledge was invaluable. Their route took them from Texas to Montana and North Dakota for over 30 years. Bill joined the outfit in 1975. Glenn always had time to tell a joke or story or experience. He dearly loved giving rides in everything he drove. Generous in nature, he gave whatever he had when needed. Glenn especially enjoyed teaching his grandkids about his world. His combine rides were extra special. Glenn is survived by sons Jim Deibert and wife DeAnn of Colby, and Bill Deibert of Hoxie; daughters Janice Goetz and husband Don of Grinnell, and Shirley Popp and husband Keith of Hoxie; grandchildren Tanner Popp, Trevor Popp, Nikki (Russ) Moellering, Brent Deibert, Trevor Anderson, Jessica Partridge, Lyndsay (Luis) Perez, and Andy (Lee Ann) Goetz; and great-grandchildren Ansley, Chase, Kaci, Ryder, Kolt, Sidney, Annalise, Thomas, Clayton, Ashlynn, and Ethan. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother and sister, and his wife and partner, Marjorie. Glenn’s gold and silver were his family, friends, and neighbors. His faith in God his constant companion, his friendly smile and wave his trademark. He was a devoted member, elder, and deacon of First Christian Church of Hoxie.