Glenda Kay (Morfitt) Durst
May 11, 1936 – December 21, 2024
Glenda Kay (Morfitt) Durst, beloved daughter of Millard and Gladys (Schroder) Morfitt, was born on May 11, 1936, on a farm near Sanborn, Iowa. She graduated from Archer High School in 1954 and pursued her passion for teaching at Iowa State Teachers College. Glenda began her teaching career in the elementary schools of Emmetsburg, Arnolds Park, and Milford. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Buena Vista College in 1971.
On June 15, 1958, Glenda married the love of her life, Glenn Melvin Durst. Together, they were blessed with two children, Steven Douglas Durst and Pamela Kay (Durst) Altenhofen. They made their home in Langdon, Iowa, just outside of Spencer, where they spent the majority of their 56 years of married life. Glenda was an active and faithful member of Langdon United Methodist Church, serving her community as the organist/pianist with love and devotion for many years.
In 2022, Glenda moved to Keelson Harbour. On Saturday, December 21, 2024, after a brave battle with dementia, Glenda passed away, surrounded by love and family.
Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Glenn, her son Steven, and her sister Mary Jo (Morfitt) Haas. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela, and her “favorite” son-in-law, Gary Altenhofen; her two sisters, Carole Lea Somers and Diane Lynn Burgess; her brother, Douglas Millard Morfitt; and her cherished grandchildren: Aly, and her husband Brett Kedley; Cory Altenhofen; Blake Altenhofen, and his fiancée, Megan Lowe. She also leaves behind numerous extended family members and countless friends who loved her dearly.
Glenda’s life was a testament to kindness, talent, and unwavering faith. She was a gifted musician who shared her love of music with her children and anyone fortunate enough to hear her play. Her talent for playing songs from memory brought joy to many, and her music will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Glenda’s greatest joys were her faith, family, and passions for nature, travel, and the arts. She loved reading, theater, ballroom dancing, sporting events, and family gatherings. She fulfilled her dream of visiting all 50 states, a reflection of her adventurous spirit and boundless curiosity. Glenda touched countless lives with her kindness, leaving the world a better place through her love and generosity.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Glenda’s memory to Alzheimer’s Research or the Arbor Day Foundation, causes which were close to her heart.
Glenda will forever be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and a kind soul who made the world brighter for all who knew her.
