Glen Edward Leighton, 81, of Eyota, Minn., passed away Saturday, January 30, 2021, peacefully in his sleep at home.
Glen was born on March 4, 1939 in Wasioja, Minn., to Ed and Anna (Blood) Leighton. Glen attended Claremont High School and graduated from West Concord in 1957. On January 21, 1961, he married Donna M. Egge at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minn. Glen worked at IBM for 34 years.
Glen’s passion was horses and he spent most of his life riding, showing, and judging (WSCA) horses throughout southeastern Minnesota. One of Glen’s most cherished memories was participating in a Buffalo Roundup in South Dakota. Glen and Donna traveled many winters to Donna, Tex., where they enjoyed happy hours with friends and LOVED dancing! Glen relished the great outdoors; hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. His grandkids were his pride and all of them will never forget their first horse ride with Grandpa Glen.
Glen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna; son Jon (Donna) Leighton of Lake City, Minn.; daughters Julie (Don) Blumer of Fountain, Minn., and Janae (Dan) Monnet of Rochester, Minn.; seven grandchildren: Nicole (Karl) Gerber, Corey (Bailey) Leighton, Jessica (Bryan) Leighton, Justin Blumer, Jenna Blumer, Taylor (Dillon) Monnet, and Lindsey Monnet; one great-granddaughter, Karlee Gerber; sister Betty (Phil) Schuster of Kasson, Minn.; sister-in-law Marian Leighton of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Jack Leighton.
A celebration of Glen’s life will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester, Minn., on Friday, February 5, 2021. The family will greet visitors from 1-3 p.m., followed by a service at 3 p.m. Interment will be at Oakwood East Cemetery following the service.
Memorials are preferred to Parkinson’s research at michaeljfox.org.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.