The Woodlands family mourn loss of IRONMAN father: 'It was just so unexpected'

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Matthew and Kevin Bruemmer stood at the pedestrian bridge along Lake Woodlands Drive, cheering their father on during the first portion of the IRONMAN North American Championship.

The one thing that momentarily took Matthew's attention away from the water was when a bird landed on his back. It hovered for a couple of minutes, just above his waist.

Matthew didn't think much about it until several hours later, after receiving the devastating news that his father, Glen, a resident of The Woodlands, passed away during the swimming portion of the grueling triathlon.

"He loved birds," Matthew said. "Looking back now, and reliving it, I see it for what it was meant to be: a comforting moment."

Glen, 54, was a lifelong exercise enthusiast who had participated in 35 competitive races over 14 years. It was his seventh triathlon, and second time participating in The Woodlands IRONMAN.

"He just liked the fact it was in Texas, because he had a special place in his heart for Texas," Matthew said. "This wasn't his first IRONMAN, but when Texas finally got one, he really wanted to do it."

The triathlon takes athletes through a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run.

"I did a half marathon with him once," Matthew said. "He told me 'let's go at your pace,' but we went at his pace, which was way faster. It was fun. My brother and I are not super triathletes like he was, but he inspired us to be fit."

Glen's obituary also mentions his third child – a loving, devoted four-legged furry friend named Kirby, a Black Labrador, who is also feeling the loss.

"We can tell she misses him," Matthew said. "It was just so unexpected."

As for what officially happened in the waters of Lake Woodlands on April 22, Matthew said results are still pending.

Family and career

Originally from Wisconsin, Glen eventually established a sales career in the medical industry, working with patients and doctors to alleviate heart conditions.

"He loved helping people," Matthew said. "He'd always be personally involved. We always heard about what he did each day, and he would share all of the stories, from young people to older people. He loved every part of it."

Glen was married to the love of his life, Patty, for 31 years.

Moving forward

"I think he would be so grateful for the support that has surrounded our family," Matthew said. "I think there is no doubt in his mind that he would not have left us feeling alone. He got us to a point to where he would know for sure that we would be taken care of.

"He had no regrets, and that's probably what we love most about him. He believed in 'live life first, ask questions later.' What a blessing he was. My dad was the greatest dad of all time."

If you would like to help the family, please visit Glen's Go Fund Me page here.