Glenn Cyriack

Glenn Gerald Cyriack was born on January 28, 1921 to William and Dagmar (Iverson) Cyriack in Pipestone, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake Benton, Minnesota. Glenn grew up on his family farm two miles south of Lake Benton. He spent a lot of time with his eight cousins who lived adjacent to their family farm. He worked as a farmhand and also at the local hardware store. Glenn attended Lake Benton Public School and graduated in 1938. He then enlisted into the United States Navy on February 8, 1939 for a four year service commitment and was assigned to the USS Oklahoma on June 9, 1939. He served as a Store Keeper Second Class, and held the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. On December 7, 1941, Glenn was killed in action while aboard the USS Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor, O'ahu, Hawaii.

Glenn was survived at the time of his death by his parents, William and Dagmar; sisters, Cora (Merrill) Krause, June (Forrest “Bud”) Hansen, Fern (George “Bud”) Smith; and brother, Clifford (Barb) Cyriack. Still living today is his sister, June Hansen of Lexington, Kentucky; brother, Clifford (Barb) Cyriack of Ely, Minnesota; and other extended family.

Glenn made the supreme sacrifice in upholding the highest traditions of the U.S. Navy in the defense of his country. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, WWII Victory Medal, and the American Defense Service Medal.