Lorin L Moench

1921 - 2022

Lorin Louis Moench

June 24, 1921- June 6, 2022

- 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