Glenn Douglas Van Rossum
December 31, 1951 - June 09, 2026
Obituary
STOUGHTON - Glenn Douglas Van Rossum, age 74, of Stoughton, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at SSM Health-St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on December 31, 1951, in Shawano, WI, the son of Paul and Shirley (Ringel) Van Rossum.
Glenn graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in Grand Forks, ND, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN.
Glenn’s career focused on patient-centered eye care as an Ophthalmic Technologist, spending 12 years at the Bemidji Clinic (Meritcare), Bemidji, MN, and followed his career path to Stoughton, WI, where he worked at the Dean Clinic (SSM Healthcare) the next 29 years, retiring in 2017.
Music and film were true passions of his. Glenn appreciated all genres, and enjoyed watching, listening, singing and performing. He loved photography, nature, was an avid bird watcher and stayed in shape by cycling. As a dedicated conservationist, Glenn believed we should be stewards of this earth. He found pure, quiet joy in nature.
Glenn embraced life with enthusiasm and purpose. He was hardworking, thoughtful, and approached decisions with both passion and careful deliberation. Humble by nature and genuine in every way, he never tried to be anyone but himself. If you knew Glenn you were truly blessed. He always ended chats with ‘hugs and blessings.’
Glenn is survived by his daughter, Melissa Dee (Patrick) Martin; beloved partner, Sherryl Abplanalp; sister, Grace (Ken) Letto; brother, Neil Van Rossum; brother-in-law, John Karnos; former wife, Barbra Van Rossum; nephew, Matthew (Christina) Letto; niece, Megan (Jared) Audette; 'nephew', Finn Schneider; grandnieces, Lyla and Kara Letto; grandnephews, Greyson and Gains Audette; grandnieces, Jade (Tony) Walk and Courtney (Tyler) Jacobson; grandnephew, Alex Claassen; and grandcat, Earl.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Stephanie Becker; former parents-in-law, Victor and Lenore Karnos; family cat, Tara; and grandcats, Bijou, Fatboy, and Juno.
A celebration of life will be held at COVENANT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1525 North Van Buren St., Stoughton, at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, with Pastor Wendy Moen presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.
Memorials may be made to Covenant Lutheran Church, the American Indian College Fund or National Wildlife Federation.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590