Glen Frank Silker was born in Princeton, Illinois, the third child of John and Emma Silker on October 28th, 1932.

Glen's love for fishing was revealed early when as a little tot, Glen asked his mother to make him a fishing pole. She thought he'd fish in the puddles around the house, but later found Glen down by the dam, fishing with a safety pin for a hook.

Following high school, Glen served in the Army tank corp until they discovered his aptitude for photography and he was transferred to the Army Signal Corps, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant.

After the army, Glen worked at a studio Dubuque Iowa, then started Silker Studios in Little Falls, MN.

Glen married Sue Klemmer December 17th, 1971. Together Glen and Sue started Glen Silker Commercial Photography in Edina, Minnesota. Glen mentored many people in the photo business. He earned his Master and Craftsman of Photography. Glen Silker Photo's legendary parties hosted nearly 2000 people and included music, dance lines and live tigers.

An invitation to Northern Pines in the early 80's led to a new relationship with Jesus (Glen would say it was a renewed faith, to the credit of his wonderful Christian parents). Soon, Glen and Sue hosted bible studies, served on Cursillo teams and led Charis prison ministry teams, where he and Sue made many lifelong friends.

Glen and Sue, lived on board their Sport Fishing boat The Predator starting in the 1990's. Every Winter they'd tour from Cocoa Beach to the Bahamas with their lab, Rigger, compete in tournaments at the Green Turtle Yacht Club and share the joy of fishing with their friends, kids Greg and Peggy and grandkids. They'd invite the fishermen and crews from the docks for dinner and cocktails in the evening, then invite them back in the morning for devotionals. Every summer Glen and Sue would trek from Florida to Northland Lodge to fish on Lake Winnibigoshish. Glen's history on Lake Winnie began in the 1940's when he and his parents and brother built a cabin on the adjoining lake, Cut Foot Sioux.

Glen loved flying and often said, "If I hadn't been a photographer, I would have been a professional pilot." He flew his twin engine Aerostar around the country with clients on photo assignments. Glen and Sue would sometimes jump in the plane in Minneapolis Friday evening after work and spend the weekend camping in the Keys or visiting Cocoa Beach, which later became their winter home. In later years, Glen and Sue served in Hospice with their beloved Labs.

Glen was a serious and successful businessman and expected those who worked with him to take their work just as seriously. His famous admonition "Whatever it takes!" meant "Don't give me any excuses!" But, even more than his hard work ethic, Glen loved to celebrate and to draw others into the celebration. People often found their family when they met Glen and Sue and many called Glen their best friend. Through his laughter and generosity, Glen drew many to his Savior and into the Great Celebration that he now enjoys with God in heaven. We know Glen's greatest desire is to see every friend and every family member join him in that forever celebration.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Sue; children Peggy (Dan) Stoller, Greg (Barbara) Silker; grandchildren Michelle Stoller, Jeff (Mary) Stoller, Parker Stoller, Joshua (Becca) Silker, Benjamin (Ashley) Silker, Matthew Silker and Anna (Jeremy) Koletar; great grandchildren William, Emmaline, Isabella, Margaret and Oliver and many beloved relatives and friends.

Glen is preceded in death by his parents, John and Emma Silker; brother and sisters in law Jack, Joan and Peggy Silker, sister and brother in law Jane and Louie Lombardo, and sister and brother in law Joyce and Jim Gilbertson.

Celebrations of Life will be:

11am May 16th, 2026 at Islander Alliance Church, 2450 Courtenay Parkway North, Merritt Island, Florida 32953. and 11:30am June 27th, 2026 at Sand Lake Alliance Church, 55581 County Road 4, Spring Lake, Minnesota 56680.

Memorials can be sent to: American Parkinson's Association Vitas Hospice Islander Alliance