Glen Schukei dies, leaves son Rob and family in Fairfax

Glen E. Schukei, formerly of South Windsor, CT, passed away on December 3rd at the Arbors in Shelburne, VT.
Glen was born Nov. 20th 1933 in Holstein, NE to parents Walter and Elsie (Berndt) Schukei. He was the youngest of 3 brothers and 1 sister growing up during the Depression. He was the only one of his siblings to graduate high school and spent the summers following the wheat harvest across the upper Midwest, driving a truck and combine with his brothers.
After high school he attended Scottsbluff Junior College in Scottsbluff , NE. After graduating he received a scholarship to the University of Nebraska where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical/Nuclear Engineering and belonged to both Pi Tau Sigma and Sigma Tau Honorary Academic Societies.
During his time in college he married his beloved Arlene J. Schlager of Scottsbluff, NE. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary this past September.
He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and spent two years in the Chemical Corps in Pine Bluff, AR. After the Army, his first job was with Consumer Public Power in Lincoln, NE. He was sent to Atomics International in Los Angeles to attend the first class of people ever licensed to start up and operate nuclear plants in the US. He was assigned to a nuclear plant startup team and for the next couple years moved frequently as he brought different plants online for the first time.
After working for Consumer Public Power he worked for General Motors in collaboration with the Air Force on producing a nuclear powered aircraft. As he was fond saying - it was a terrible idea.
Next he worked on plants in Minnesota and Wisconsin and then moved to South Windsor, CT to finally settle down with his family, which had grown to 3 kids by this time. He worked for the next 23 years at Combustion Engineering/ABB in Windsor Locks, CT. His job had him traveling the world as he assisted many countries with the design & installation of nuclear power plants. After retiring in 1992, he was hired as a consultant to design a new nuclear rod line that loads fuel bundles for nuclear plants. He also consulted for the South Korean government and enjoyed his travels there.
Glen held over 30 US patents including one for the Skyhook. In 1983 he started Skyhook Inc. and ran a successful business out of his house for the next 2 decades, producing items still in use today in steam generators in nuclear plants and submarines across the world. He was always up for a challenge and the more complicated the problem the more he enjoyed it.
In 1991 he received the Engineer of the Year award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Glen loved his work but also loved the outdoors, never missing a deer season. He spent time fishing, working in the yard, and camping. Family was very important to Glen and he built lasting memories his wife, children & grandchildren will share for years to come. A devout man, he was always active in his church, Our Saviour Lutheran of South Windsor, CT. Over the years, he served as president, treasurer and an elder of the church as well as youth leader and handyman.
He is survived by his cherished wife of 60 years, Arlene Schukei. He is predeceased by his parents and his brothers Reiny, Gilbert, Alvin and sister Eleanor. He is also survived by his children Patrice & (Michael) Myers of Riverton, WY, Mark Schukei of Norwich CT, and Robert &(Lisa)Schukei of Fairfax, VT and his grandchildren Sam Myers, Nathaniel Schukei, Sydney Schukei, Geoffrey Schukei, Harrison Schukei and Hannah Schukei.
A memorial service will be held on December 13, 2014 at 11 AM at the United Church of Fairfax in Fairfax, VT.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011