Richard "Rich" W. Glenn III

On the evening of Thursday, June 18, 2026, Richard (Rich) Winston Glenn III of West Des Moines passed away at the EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa after a two and a half year health journey. He was surrounded by the love of his family. Rich was 60 years old.

Rich was born January 11, 1966, in Des Moines making him the second of six children to Richard (Dick) Glenn, Jr. and Joan Buckingham Glenn. Rich’s early years were spent playing with his sisters Lisa and Amy. At 10, his entrepreneur spirit awoke as he committed to a paper route. His Mom would follow him on those early mornings to make sure the papers were delivered as close to on time as possible. This helped Rich to make his first big purchase, a bicycle, which is still hanging in the garage. As Rich grew, so did the family with the addition of Matt, Megan, and John. He loved being the big brother to such great kids as fun, laughter and teasing were amongst his specialties.

Rich, a proud Cyclone, graduated from Iowa State University and went on to purchase his first restaurant, The Great Midwestern Ice Cream Company. Running a business was exciting but meeting all the wonderful people through the business is what filled his heart with joy! A short while later, Rich’s Mom gave a little push for a first date with Janna, who he married on July 3, 1993, in Urbandale, Iowa and the rest is history. Over the next few years, they welcomed their wonderful children, Ryan and Christine. Rich always said that he was so grateful for being more in love with Janna than the day they married, and that his greatest level of pride was shown through his children.

After years in the hospitality industry, Rich desired to spend more time with his family. This career transition led him to the world of HVAC working at Data Power Technology Group and most recently at The Waldinger Corporation. Regardless of where Rich worked, he brought a culture of doing the right thing for the team and clients. Work was never “just work”, work was about building relationships that lasted a lifetime.

There was never a dull moment with Rich. Whether it was his passion for working out and lifting weights, participating in triathlons and spartan races, or spending time with family and friends. He was always challenging himself and others while perfecting his playful humor. Rich and Janna loved spending time together whether cruising on the motorcycle or relaxing at the campground; it all created beautiful memories.

Rich is survived by his wife Janna (Hackbarth) Glenn; son Ryan Glenn (MaKayla) and grandson of West Des Moines, IA; daughter Christine Glenn of Overland Park, KS; mother Joan Glenn of West Des Moines, IA; sister Lisa Akinseye of Apple Valley, MN; sister Amy Boothe of West Des Moines, IA; brother Matt Glenn of West Des Moines, IA; sister Megan Glenn of Urbandale, IA; and brother John Glenn of Kansas City, MO. Rich is also survived by his many nieces and nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard (Dick) Glenn, Jr.; Grandparents Richard (Rich) Sr. and Mary Glenn; Grandparents Dale and Lloydene Bright; brother-in-law Andrew Boothe; and his close friend, James Miner.

The Celebration of Life for Rich will be at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266, on Tuesday, June 30,2026 at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow. He will be laid to rest at a later date at Glendale Cemetery with family and close friends. We welcome your presence in whatever attire feels comfortable and respectful; black clothing is optional.

In lieu of flowers, Rich requests a consideration of donating to the Eye on Grace Foundation which is an organization that aids individuals with his similar health journey. Donations can be made at www.eyeongracefoundation.org .

Rich loved his family and friends and lived a good life. He was a good husband, dad, papa, son, brother and friend who was grateful for every moment. Rich would say thank you for being a part of his wonderful life.