Glen Arden Stevens, Sr.

Minot

Glen Arden Stevens, Sr. was born at Maddock Memorial Hospital in Maddock, North Dakota, the oldest son of Milton and Mabel (Bröby) Stevens. He grew up on the family farm near Esmond, where he attended Rich Valley Elementary School. He then attended Benson County Training School in Maddock, one of only two such schools in North Dakota. After graduating from high school, Glen proudly served two years in the United States Army, including one year in Korea, and was honorably discharged.

Following his military service, when his father needed help with the family business, Glen returned home and joined Des Lacs Valley Nursery near Burlington. Within a few years, he purchased his father’s partners’ interest in the business. Later, his brother Jay purchased their father’s interest and they worked well together for several years.

On November 16, 1963, Glen married the love of his life, Diane Grubb of Powers Lake, North Dakota. Their first home was a trailer located at the nursery in Burlington, where they began building both a family and a life together. In 1968, a project home on the nursery property became available and it served as the family home until retirement. They were blessed with three children: Glen Jr., Kevin, and Wanda. Glen loved sports and shared that love with his children. He and Diane supported their children by attending their sporting events. He never missed a game.

Glen had a strong personal relationship with the Lord that impacted how he lived his life. He gave generously of his time to First Baptist Church in Minot, faithfully attending services for over 60 years, serving on numerous church boards and committees. It was truly at the core of his and Diane’s life. Believing strongly in his community, Glen served for 18 years on the Des Lacs-Burlington School Board. He also served on the De-Sour Valley Economic Development Corporation’s Board among others. Glen was currently serving on the Burlington Housing Board.

Glen devoted 48 years to the work of a nurseryman, making Minot and our region beautiful. Providing hand dug spruce and moving larger trees with a tree spade were unique contributions of the business. The nursery was a beautiful place that produced many special memories. Several families in the Minot area have fond recollections of coming to the nursery to pick out their Christmas tree. It was notably a source of family joy, playing host to several holidays and celebrations for Glen, his parents, his siblings and their families.

Glen was a pioneer in North Dakota’s nursery industry. He helped establish the North Dakota Nurserymen’s Association and served as a delegate to the National Association of Nurserymen, attending meetings and conventions throughout the country.

Glen and Jay sold the nursery in 2009. At that time Glen and Diane retired and moved to Minot. Their condo neighbors, Minot friends, and church small group were a great source of life and support during that season of life.

After retirement Glen especially enjoyed golfing with his sons and friends. Glen and Diane were able to do some special trips with Diane’s sister Loretta and Don Holmen. Glen and Don, through the generosity of Holmen connections, were able to attend several major golf tournaments. A highlight was a week at The Masters in Augusta, GA in 2011.

One of Glen’s greatest joys was serving as a church greeter. He genuinely loved meeting people and had an extraordinary gift for remembering names, hometowns, and occupations — even years after first meeting someone. He never considered anyone a stranger for long and had a way of making everyone feel welcome.

Family was central to Glen’s life. His grandchildren knew that Grandpa almost always had candy tucked away somewhere, much to their delight. He had a well-known sweet tooth, and chocolate was always among his favorites.

Much of their travel, especially after retirement, was to family where they loved seeing and supporting their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed several cruises. For their 50th Wedding Anniversary Glen and Diane gifted all 18 children and grandchildren to join them on a Caribbean cruise. Another highlight trip for Glen and Diane was to Norway in 2015. They enjoyed visiting several homes of his Norwegian ancestors.

Glen will be remembered for his faithful service, strong work ethic, and warm hospitality. He had a deep love for his family, church, and community. His life touched countless others, and his legacy of kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in people will continue to live on in all who knew him.

Glen went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 4, 2026, at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND.

Glen was proceeded in death by his parents, Milton and Mabel Stevens; brother-in-law James Koenig; sister-in-law Loretta Holmen; and his nephew, Dalton Holmen.

He is survived by his wife Diane (Grubb) Stevens. His siblings, Janice (Arnold) Schimke of Williston, ND; Grace (Donn) Brown of Des Lacs, ND; Doreen (Donald) Schmitz of Grand Forks, ND; and Jay (Dolores) Stevens of Burlington, ND. Brother-in-law Donald Holmen of Waunakee, WI. His children, Glen (Jill) Stevens Jr. of Avon, MN, and Kevin (Amy) Stevens of Nashville, TN, and Wanda (Jeremy) Erb of Goodyear, AZ. Grandchildren: Rachel, Luke, Anna, Adam; Staff Sgt. Molly (Staff Sgt. Andrew) Fisher, Cole, Courtney (fiancé, Spencer Guy), Lila; and Judah Erb; and several nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Glen Steven’s Life: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at First Baptist Church, Minot. To view a livestream of the service or to share memories and condolences access his obituary at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND

Visitation: Monday, July 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of personal sharing to begin at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Minot.

Memorials can be directed to Hope Forest (www.hopeforestnd.com/partner) or to Child Evangelism Fellowship.

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 9, 2026.