Obituary: Jeffrey “Jeff” L. McGlin

Jeffrey “Jeff” L. McGlin, age 61, of Forest Junction, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.

Jeff was born in Appleton on May 14, 1963, son of the late Robert & Mary (Everts) McGlin.  He was a graduate of Appleton East High School, class of 1981.  Jeff went on to further his education at Fox Valley Technical College, where he graduated in 1983 with a degree in Marketing and met his love and future wife, Judy Danoff.  Jeff and Judy were married on June 6, 1986, at Zion Church in Forest Junction.  He did go on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from Mount Scenario College and Master of Business Administration in General Management from Touro University International. 

Jeff began his military career when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve on December 27, 1981.  He started his service career with the 395th Ordnance Company (DS), Appleton, WI and went on to serve with many units:  the 633rd Area Support Group, the 998th Quartermaster Company, and the 416th Engineer Command.  His Command Sergeant Major (CSM) assignments at Fort McCoy, WI included 1/338th Training Support Battalion, the 2/411th Logistical Support Battalion, the 181st Infantry Brigade, 1st Army Division West.  He also served as CSM for the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion and the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade.  In July of 2016, Jeff took a position as the Sergeant Major (SGM) of the Standards & Evaluations Branch, Warrior Care & Transition, US Army Medical Command in Arlington, VA.  In March of 2018, he served in a “dual hatted” role as CSM of the 364th Press Camp Headquarters, Fort Snelling, MN and Interim CSM of the 88th Readiness Division until his retirement.  His military campaigns included: Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom (CONUS).  Jeff went on to earn an array of military awards and served our country for 37 years before his retirement. 

Jeff brought light and laughter to all that were around him. Whether he was around family, friends, or a stranger, he was always present wholeheartedly. Jeff was an avid hunter in which he enjoyed deer and turkey hunting with his children as well as assisting youth hunts. He lived an active life, enjoyed cooking, and cherished all the family animals including his beloved cat, Louie. 

Jeff’s military service was an important part of who he was, including into his retirement. He volunteered at countless Veterans Organizations and spent quality time with Veterans in hospitals and on hospice. 

Most of all, Jeff loved his family. Although he was active in the military, he always found a way to be there for all the important moments in their lives. Through graduations, weddings, the birth of his granddaughters, all the lows and the highs, Jeff treasured his family at every moment. 

He truly loved and leaves behind his wife, Judy of Forest Junction; their children: son, Jonathan (Amy) of Appleton and grandchildren: Alexis and Addilyn, daughter, Jenna (Zach) Collaer of Neenah, and daughter, Jackie of Tomah; his siblings: brother, Pat (Mary Ella) of Florida, brother, Kevin (Deb), sister, Deb (Jim) Reschke all of Hortonville, sister-in-law: Cindi of Menasha; mother-in-law: Darleen (Zirbel) Danoff of Forest Junction; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Mary; one brother: Michael, one sister: Pam; and one nephew: Luke.  

The family will greet relatives and friends Saturday morning, October 5, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at Zion Church in Forest Junction, Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. (NOON). Officiating will be Rev. Justin Dietel.  Military Rites will be accorded by Becker Bloedorn Jensen Post 126 of Brillion. Burial will be private in Forest Home Cemetery, town of Brillion at a later date.

Online condolences may be made:  www.pielhopwieting.com

The Pielhop Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements.