Lorin Louis Moench, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on June 6th, 2022. It was D-Day and 18 days short of turning 101. Lorin was born to David Ballantyne and Zelpha Arave Moench June 24, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah – fifth of seven siblings. He attended Uintah Elementary and East High School in Salt Lake and later the US Navy Officer Training School. Lorin was sealed to Barbara Howells in the Salt Lake Temple June 18, 1943. Their’s was a forever romance that flourished during World War II and endured for seventy years. He was loyal to God, family and country.
Lorin was a legend. As a young entrepreneur (age 11), he sold ice cream to conference goers at Temple Square. As a teenager, he customized cars and had informal timed races up and down big Cottonwood Canyon. When the war came, he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in the Pacific flying for: “the greatest armada on earth: the US Navy”. He completed over 100 bombing and patrol missions and received two Distinguished Flying Cross’. He successfully built a sheep and cattle ranch, as well as being an accomplished investor for over 70 years. He was thrifty and generous at the same time and loved the livestock business. Aviation was a lifelong pursuit, owning planes and flying into his 70s. Lorin embodied the American Dream. All this was accomplished with Barbara, who was the “wind beneath his wings.”
Lorin blessed his posterity with a firm foundation built through his example of hard work, diligent preparation and perseverance. His intellect, energy and a cool head served him well as he navigated through World War II, the ups and downs of ranching, business and family life.
He also played hard, having a competitive passion for golf, handball, and skiing. Lorin was a scratch golfer in his prime. One of his favorite rounds was when he shot a 64 at age 76 at the Jeremy Ranch and Golf Club – with a 29 on the back nine, featuring an eagle on the par-4 No. 15. He was also a two-time club champion at the Salt Lake Country Club.
Through the war, business and sports, Lorin cultivated many lifelong friends. They deeply admired and respected his good will, clear judgment and steel trap memory. He routinely engaged anyone with his distinct, dry and endearingly personal humor.
Lorin had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As he became older, he studied Christ’s life and learned to know Him better. He gave generously to the church and its missionary fund, silently serving others in need.
His greatest legacy is his family. He has a large posterity who love him dearly. He is survived by his five children, Lorin Jr. ( Mary Ann Swenson ) Moench, Bobbi Moench (Rod) Snow, Wendy Moench, Mark (Martha Young) Moench, and Brooke Moench Van Alstyne (Phil Van Alstyne - deceased), nineteen grandchildren, sixty-two great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren, and sister Suzanne Moench Klenk. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, and five of his siblings. A private family graveside service will be held on their wedding anniversary. We are happy they are together again!
The family wishes to thank our cousin, Becky McKean, for her extraordinary caregiving these past two years as well his daughter Wendy. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider a donation to Weber State University for the Louis Frederick Moench Presidential Scholarship: http://give.weber.edu/moenchpresidentialscholarship or share a memory of Lorin at www.LarkinCares.com
Dear Bobbi, I loved and admired your parents and cherished their friendship.
Sending my love to you. Your family has made a difference in my life and the lives of so many others.
Great pictures. Handsome man. :)
Such a landmark in our neighborhood- a life so generously lived and loved.
Blessings and love,
Ann Orton
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Lorin.
We think of all of you every time we visit our family cabin across the pasture from you.
Condolences to all who knew and loved him.
A man pure in dignity.
Respect him in every sense of the word.
Sincerely,Darlene Pedersen
May the lord be with you and your family our prayers are with you all. Will miss our talks on the phone and the great times up at the ranch for the reunions and the summer I worked there. Love you and miss you.
Don Reed and Audrey Davis
So sorry to learn of your father's Passing. He had a full and productive life, and we and the whole community will miss him.
Bobbi,
I'm sorry to read of your Dad's passing. We know we'll lose our parents, but I think the finality of it is still hard.
He accomplished so much in his lifetime - sort of a bigger than life kind of story. May you and your family keep the memory of him alive....he can continue to be an inspiration.
Love, Linda Wagstaff
Dear Bobbi,
Doug and I were touched when we learned of your dad’s passing. What an incredible man who lived an incredible life of service and purpose. And what a privilege to be his daughter. We are thinking of you, knowing that this is bittersweet. So hard to be apart for a time!
Love, Mary Ann
Bobbi and Rod, I'm thinking of you at this tender time. Your father was an amazing man and I feel fortunate that I was acquainted with him and had the opportunity to visit his vast and beautiful ranch. The family that you have raised is a tribute to both of your parents. It's hard to realize that you are the oldest generation, but you will continue to carry the legend forward. Sending you love and strength as you navigate the road ahead. Fondly, Barbara
My father, Jesse A. Moench, was Lorin's older brother and loved him so dearly. He often spoke of their fun times during leave in WWII together. Our deepest condolences go to Uncle Lorin and his family, and hope he enjoyed the jade elephants from Dad's collection. With much love, niece Shelley Moench-Kelly and nephew-in-law Michael Kelly
Uncle Lorin was a legend for our family as well. Each visit with him was full or love and generosity. It was a privilege to visit with him a few years ago as he shared his love for his ancestors and family. We all have a rich legacy to be grateful for and to pass on to our children. He was an example of all that is important in this life, always reminding us of our rich legacy. Each time I go to the Conference Center, I love looking at the Arnold Friberg painting, "Our First Rocky Mountain Sunday School" and knowing that Uncle Lorin was the model for his pioneer ancestor, Richard Ballantyne in that painting. I can only imagine the welcome by all those he admired heavenside, especially his lovely Barbara. Ours is an eternal righteous family, of which, I am so grateful to be a part.
