In their words: Church, state leaders reflect on career of Glenn Tebbe
Glenn Tebbe and his wife Laura Jo are all smiles after he received the 2019 INPEA Legislative Leadership Award last September in Indianapolis. (Submitted photo)
“Deeply rooted in his Catholic identity, Glenn exudes a wonderful ecumenical and interreligious spirit of dialogue and collaboration. I recall the 50th anniversary of the ICC, when Bishop Timothy Doherty of Lafayette and I accompanied Glenn to the state capital. It was quite apparent that Glenn is greatly admired and respected in both chambers of our state legislature. In addition, he has represented us well with other Catholic conferences throughout the country, especially through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Above all, Glenn is a prayerful man of devout Catholic faith, which is reflected in all aspects of his life. I consider him a friend and inspiration.”
—Indianapolis Archbishop Charles C. Thompson
“During the past two and a half years that I have been privileged to work with Glenn, I have experienced and admired his wisdom, professionalism, experience and, above all, his passion for the Catholic Church and her mission in the state of Indiana. Glenn has been a great help to me in my ministry as Bishop of Evansville, as I learned about the life, culture and politics of our state.”
—Evansville Bishop Joseph M. Siegel
“After having worked alongside Glenn for just six months, I will dearly miss his knowledge, grace and wit. I cannot even imagine how his colleagues of several years will fill the void that he is leaving. However, I am committed to working with these good people to continue the important work that Glenn began.”
—Angela Espada, executive director, Indiana Catholic Conference
“Glenn has dedicated his life to the life of the Church and our state. Whether it be through education or his advocacy at the Statehouse, every day without exception, he worked thoughtfully to give a voice to those less fortunate and in need. Glenn will be missed in the halls of our state capitol, but his retirement is well earned.”
—Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb
“Glenn Tebbe has been a leader in his hometown and across the state, fighting for the values of the Indiana Catholic Conference. He will be missed by many, and I wish him all the best on his newest chapter.”
—Sen. Jean Leising, Indiana Senate District 42
“Glenn Tebbe is a ‘gentle giant’ who practices his Catholic faith in everything he does. Over the years, the issues Glenn tackled were often emotional and extremely controversial. However, when he sat down to discuss those issues with you, he presented the facts from all perspectives and would do so very calmly and graciously. Glenn was extremely well respected not only by the members of the Indiana General Assembly, but his peers as well.”
—Sen. Ed Charbonneau, Indiana Senate District 5
“Glenn is a man of unwavering faith and a fierce advocate for providing high-quality education to all children. I have enjoyed working with him over the years and appreciate his passion for driving student success. His leadership will be greatly missed.”
—Rep. Bob Behning, Indiana House of Representatives District 91
“Glenn is a real champion for unborn children and their moms. Over the years of our friendship, Glenn always brought a level-headed approach to life issues and could be counted on for wise advice based on his exceptional grasp of the legislative process. There is no doubt that many children are alive today because of the dedicated efforts of Glenn at the Statehouse.”
—Mike Fichter, president and CEO, Indiana Right to Life
“Glenn was a great partner to have at the Statehouse, as we worked together on issues affecting low-income Hoosiers. In addition to having great ideas and a tireless work ethic, you could always count on him to be a calming presence and to put a smile on your face. I always appreciated his kind and thoughtful approach to advocating for Hoosier families.”
—Jessica Fraser, director, Indiana Institute for Working Families
“Glenn is a joy to know and serve the Church with. When I was assigned here in July of 2011 and realized that Glenn was a parishioner, I realized how blessed I was and how fortunate St. Mary Parish had been in having him! For so many years as principal of
St. Mary School and serving on parish committees and councils, Glenn lived out—and continues to live out—the Gospel of Jesus: standing up for life and our faith values!
—Father John Meyer, pastor, St. Mary Parish in Greensburg
Related story: Called to serve: Retiring ICC director exemplifies a life of witness for the Church
