Glen Rial Anderson

Glen Rial Anderson, 64, passed away unexpectedly in his home on August 26, 2026. He will be lovingly remembered for his generous heart, curious mind, strong work ethic, unforgettable laughter, and the unconditional love he gave so effortlessly.

As a teenager, Glen loved playing football. He graduated from Highland High School, where he was named Most Valuable Player during his senior year. He later served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Missouri Independence Mission, spending most of his missionary service in Kansas City, Missouri.

Glen loved to learn and earned both associate and bachelor’s degrees from Idaho State University. His determination was evident as he worked full-time while also attending school full-time. He went on to work as an electrical engineer and always did whatever was needed to provide for his family. At the time of his passing, Glen was devoting his time and love to serving as the full-time caregiver for his son Johnny.

Glen’s children and grandchildren were the apples of his eye, and he had special nicknames for each of them. He called and texted his children regularly, as well as his brothers and little sister. His family has shared both laughter and tears while remembering those calls and realizing how deeply they will be missed.

Glen taught his children to be independent, to value education, and to keep going when life became difficult. He taught them how to cook, grow a garden, and preserve and store the fruits of their labor. When something broke, Glen lived by the simple belief, “I can fix it,” and he passed that resourcefulness on to his children. They also inherited his stubborn determination—a quality that has helped them accomplish much in their lives and refuse to give up during hard times. Most importantly, Glen showed them what it meant to love unconditionally.

Among Glen’s many talents was his remarkable ability to grow almost anything under nearly any condition. His magnificent garden was one of his greatest sources of pride and joy. It produced enough food for him to preserve and store for years, while still leaving an abundance to share with family and friends.

Glen loved to learn, laugh, joke, and lovingly tease his family. His loud, memorable laughter and the familiar smirk on his face brought joy to those around him. His family will miss his phone calls, his humor, his wisdom, his strength, and the steady love he gave so freely.

Glen is survived by his children:

Dean Anderson, daughter Sadie: Lisa Anderson Wislodoski and Eduardo Wislodoski, and their children, Logan Fennwick and Cheveil Fennwick; Stefanie Anderson Simpson and Andy Simpson, and their children, James, Sawyer, and Xavier; Glen Michael Anderson and Lauren Anderson, and their daughter, Brynlee; and John Anderson; Erica Anderson Duke and Dustin Duke, and their children, Patricia and Alexander.

He is also survived by his siblings, Stephen Anderson (Juli), Ward Anderson (Rebecca), Jeffery Anderson (Joanna) and Kaileen Anderson Jefferies (William), along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom adored him.

Glen was preceded in death and lovingly welcomed home by his parents, Stephen and Judy Anderson, and his grandchildren, Journey Simpson and Noel Simpson.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 3444 Hawthorne Road, Pocatello, Idaho 83201. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

A graveside service will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 South 5th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho 83205.