September 21, 1953 - January 1, 2021
Dr. Glenn Martin Amundson, MD, orthopedic spine
surgeon at Prime Orthopedics and Spine, passed away at home on 1 January, 2021, surrounded by his wife, son and pets, following a sudden illness. Glenn was born 21 September, 1953 and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of Roy and Marilyn Amundson. He completed his bachelor’s of science at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where he was a gifted competitive distance swimmer. He then attended medical school at the University of Iowa, completing his M.D. in 1979. His internship and residency were spent at the San Diego Naval Hospital. Dr. Amundson held prominent positions in various capacities for the Navy before retiring with the rank of Captain 06. He was also a field medical officer for the U.S. Marine Corps. He held several academic appointments, including locally at the Veterans Administration Hospital and the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Amundson published dozens of medical journal articles, abstracts, and research, made hundreds of academic presentations and contributed chapters to many textbooks in his distinguished career. His colleagues and coworkers remember him as brilliant, focused, soft-spoken and easy to talk to; a total gentleman. Patients remarked on his expertise, professionalism and sincere, straight-forward bedside manner. He was the very definition of “the strong and silent” type. Glenn was proud of his Norwegian heritage, and was drawn to Viking history and mythology. He had so many talents and interests. He collected guitars and was learning to play, was testing for his brown belt in Tae Kwon Do, and could fix or build anything. Most of all, he loved the water; Glenn and his wife Heidi were planning to retire to a quiet spot in Belize where he could snorkel in peace for hours.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Lloyd Amundson. Missing him terribly are his adored wife Heidi Amundson, his beloved son Erik Amundson, and his sister, Liz George, his step-children, Alex Werner and Claudia Griggs, and many heartbroken friends and colleagues. Godspeed, good doctor, and thank you for your humble service.
“Cattle die, kinsmen die,
The self must also die.
But honor never dies,
For the man who is able to achieve it.”
Dr. Amundson operated and fused my neck twice and implanted spinal implants! Dr. Amundson was referred to me by Dr. William Hopkins and Dr. Amundson was one of the best surgeons I had in my life! I was shocked to hear of his sudden death. I shared with him about my son being a Naval EOD Officer and he was very interested! I was blessed and fortunate to have him as my Orthopedic Surgeon and I hope to see him in Heaven!