Glenn Germain

Glenn Warren Germain passed away unexpectedly on March 10th  at the age of 69, under the expert care of the nurses and doctors at St. Mary’s hospital in Madison, WI, after a very unfortunate accident choking on some food. He is survived by his wife Maria-Rosa, of nearly forty years, his brother Al Germain (Julie Waldman) of Oakland, CA, his daughter Nora Germain of Los Angeles, his son Carl Germain of Seattle, step-siblings Chris Schlichenmaier (Jerry Schlichenmaier) and nephews Sven Hansen (Dawn Hansen) and Erik Hansen, step-sister  Kathi Koppa (Daniel Weldeslassie, David Inman) and nephew Gabriel Weldeslassie,  step-brothers Jhon Koppa (Ivonne Suryana), Joel Koppa of Santa Cruz, CA and grand nieces Charlotta Belgum, Heather Hansen, Kirsten Hansen  and Morgan Hansen. In addition, the Patty Wynn family in Lodi, the Hanson and Germain families in the Minocqua area and Maria-Rosa's family in West Virginia and Catalonia, Spain.

Glenn was a talented musician who began playing the violin at age nine inspired by string quartet sessions his mother Patricia would have at home. As a teenager he learned to play guitar and sing Simon and Garfunkel songs with a girlfriend. In the 1970s he played in several rock bands as a singer, rhythm guitarist, composer and electric violinist. His talent and success led him to get a violin performance degree from UW Madison. He played in the Madison Symphony where he met his wife in 1981. The two free-lanced with many cellists as a Classical music trio for countless weddings, parties and events for ten years.

Beset by stage fright, he became a self-taught luthier and avidly collected and restored violins for re-sale here in Madison and to string shops in Chicagoland. Glenn was a passionate lover of nature. He took his wife and children on many camping adventures in the U.S. and Canada. He was always happiest on whatever boat he currently owned, trolling for salmon and trout in the deep waters of the Great Lakes. He was also a mechanical genius who loved to fix or invent many kinds of machines and devices. He loved to learn and would immerse himself in whatever interested him.

There were many trips Glenn wanted to take before leaving this world. He will be missed by friends and family. Special thanks to Dr. Marissa Lowenthal who bravely tried to save his life, the Monona EMTs who responded quickly, friend Sharon Polallis who gave supreme comfort, Drs. Sharma and Damm and all the wonderful nurses and emergency room staff at St. Mary’s hospital who did all they could.

There will be a memorial ceremony for Glenn and his mother Patricia Germain on April 23, 3pm at Gates of Heaven located at 302 E. Gorham St. in Madison. A private burial is being planned at Circle Cemetery in Barneveld.