Glenn Macmillan

Glenn C. MacMillan, longtime Pine River resident, business owner and community benefactor, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in Lake Havasu City, AZ, at the age of 89. He was born to Donald and Martha Belle MacMillan in Cloquet, MN, on March 18, 1924. Glenn moved with his family to Pine River in 1940, graduated from Pine River High School in 1942, then moved to Duluth to work until joining the Navy with a group of friends from Cloquet. He served in the U.S. Navy, Pacific Theatre from 1943 to 1945, becoming a "twice" survivor of two ships sunk by enemy action on January 6 and 7, 1945. He was awarded a purple heart. After his Navy years, Glenn returned to Pine River and worked for his parents at their Coast to Coast Hardware Store and in 1948, started the Coast to Coast Gas Company. He purchased Pine Motor Company with partner, William Schuster in 1951. He bought Schuster's interest in 1953 and continued operation of the company until the early 1980's. Glenn was actively involved with the Minnesota Auto Dealership Association, becoming its president in 1974. Glenn was instrumental in developing the Pine River Golf Course, and, along with several partners, developed many homes and condos surrounding the golf course. He was elected to the Pine River City Council in 1954, 1969 and 1972, and was appointed to the board of Central Lakes College in 1989. Glenn was a supporter of and benefactor to many local organizations and entities that worked for the good of the Pine River area. He was a visionary with a keen business sense.

He was a 65 year member of American Legion Post 613, Pine River, and a Life Member of the Elks Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In Lake Havasu City, Glenn was active in the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Glenn married Marjorie Isensee in 1952. Marjorie passed away in 2002.

On February 11, 2009, Glenn married Mary Beth Birkeland, who survives him. They made their winter home in Lake Havasu City, AZ. For the past ten years he also had a seasonal home in Hovland, on the shore of Lake Superior.

Glenn is also survived by his stepsons, Peter Birkeland (Lizabeth), Robert Birkeland (Jennifer); stepdaughter, Karen (Isensee) Matsusoff (Martin); and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marjorie; brother, Donald, Jr.; and stepson, Lewie Isensee.

Memorials in Glenn's name may be given to Central Lakes College Foundation, Donald D. Sr. and Martha B. MacMillan Memorial Scholarship, 501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401.

Services will be 2 PM on Saturday, April 27, at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 PM and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial with military honors will be at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine River.