Burton McGlynn

McGlynn, Burton J. Age 88, of Greenwood and Captiva, FL, formerly of Edina, passed away December 23, 2011. Burton "Burt" J. McGlynn, former chairman of McGlynn Bakeries and current chairman of DecoPac, Inc., did many things in life, but the one thing that remained constant was his association with McGlynn Bakeries. For over fifty years, he played a vital role within the family-run business, and, at each stage, had seen opportunities that took the company to a new level. He is a true example of a Minnesota entrepreneur. Minnesota enjoyed the well-known McGlynn Bakeries since 1919, when it was founded by Burt's father, James T. "J.T." McGlynn. Burt was born November 16, 1923, in Minneapolis, MN. He started working in his father's bakery at age 15 as a cleaner. He later filled in for bakers when they were on vacations, drove delivery trucks on wholesale routes and waited on customers at the service counter. During World War II, Burt attended cook's and baker's school in New Orleans and served in the Navy as a baker in the Philippines. After the war, Burt returned to Minnesota to help run his father's growing bakery business. At that time McGlynn's Bakery had 11 downtown shops and several wholesale routes. In 1948, he married Patricia Jones, with whom he had five children. Burt purchased the company from his father in 1956. In 1958, Burt decided to sell the business to Emrich Baking Company and worked for them as head of retail operations. After a few years with Emrich Baking, Burt saw an opportunity to open in-store bakeries in the new Target stores in the Twin Cities being developed by Dayton's Department Stores. He resigned from Emrich Baking Company, acquired his family's trade name and was in business again with his first two bakeries in the Knollwood and Crystal Target stores. By 1972, there were over 35 Target stores with in-store McGlynn's Bakery departments. The business changed and expanded greatly. The company entered the frozen bakery products business, and eventually sold that business in 1992 to Pillsbury. Another frozen bakery products business was begun in 1995 and sold in 2004 to Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. Bakery plants were constructed in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Fridley and at one time employed over 2,000 people. The remaining family business, DecoPac, Inc. is the largest marketer of cake decorations to professional cake decorators in the world. In addition to Burt's success in business, he was an avid sports participant, whether snow skiing, ice skating, fishing, boating or playing tennis and golf. He owned the Minnesota Buckskins World Team Tennis team and was a partner of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was an avid fan of professional sports including hockey, tennis, baseball, football and basketball. But most of all, Burt loved to be with people. He loved to spend time with family, friends, and employees. He had a contagious, friendly personality. He went out of his way to host events and make sure his guests were having a wonderful time. His funny stories and antidotes will be remembered by all that knew him. Like the baked goods his company made, Burt was made up of the perfect ingredients to be the best. Burt graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1941. He later chaired a capital campaign, was inducted into the school's hall of fame and named an affiliated Christian Brother. He attended Dunwoody Institute and received an honorary Doctorate of Philanthropy degree from St. Mary's University, Winona. Having philanthropic spirits, Burt and his wife, Rosalyn, have supported numerous charities in Minnesota and Florida. They spent the winters in Captiva Island, Florida, and the summers on Lake Minnetonka. He was a member of The Minneapolis Club, Interlachen Country Club, Lafayette Club, The Sanctuary Golf Club, and Captiva Island Yacht Club. Burt was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary; his first wife, Patricia McGlynn; his brother, Richard and his sisters, Jean and Margaret. He is survived by his wife of thirteen years, Rosalyn, and his children, Mike (Julie), Tim, Dan (Deb), Molly (Leo Varley) and Tom (Antoinette); his step-son, Colby (Kara) and his step-daughter, Melissa (Patrick); sixteen grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, ten great- great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held 4:30-7:30 pm Wednesday, January 4, at Washburn- McReavy Edina Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am on Thursday, January 5, at the Basilica of St. Mary, Hennepin Ave. at 17th St., Minneapolis, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Catherine University. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy. 100

Tributes

Burton McGlynn

January 1, 2012

Tributes

Burton McGlynn

January 1, 2012

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