William Vance Mollerup

Our beloved dad, brother and husband, grandfather and great grandfather William (Bill) Vance Mollerup, passed away peacefully the morning of March 29, 2025 at the age of 83. He was born June 26, 1941 to Lamont and Virginia Mollerup under delicate circumstances, being two months premature. The story goes that his mother fell down a flight of stairs which sent her into early labor and injured him in utero. Dad came out weighing only 2 lbs 11 oz and sporting a broken arm. It was touch and go for the first few days but he was saved by a Dr. Vance whose name dDad carried as his own middle name. He enjoyed showing people his baby picture with him wearing the world's smallest cast on his right arm.
From these humble beginnings he went on to grow up in downtown Salt Lake City near Temple Square just down the street from his grandpa's moving company, Mollerup Moving & Storage. He had a pleasant and friendly disposition and was the apple of both of his grandpa's eyes. He eventually graduated from West High School where he met his wife and eternal companion, Darlene on the front steps of the school on senior yearbook signing day. Mom loved his 50's good looks with his slicked back hair, and he won her over with his hot car and great sense of humor. Not too long after that chance meeting they fell in love and were married on April 13, 1960 when they were both just 18 years old.
Their first child soon came along and Bill had to buckle down to provide for his newly formed family. He worked various jobs as a grocery stocker, truck driver, and deliveryman for Coca Cola. His older brother Bob, (Molly), suggested he join him in the glass business and he took a position at Linford Bros. Glass Company as a glazer where he installed windows in commercial buildings for many years. He would often point out to us the many buildings and churches around town whose windows were the result of his labor. He even had the opportunity to hang some mirrors in the LDS Washington, D.C. temple.
Bill was a hard worker and quickly learned the tricks of the trade. Eventually he and Molly decided to strike out and open their own company, Mollerup Glass Co. Through their hard work and experience, the company quickly took off and grew into one of the most successful and respected glass businesses in the state of Utah. Bill treated his employees well and was beloved and highly respected by them.
Bill was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holding various positions such as Sunday School president, High Priest quorum instructor and Branch President at the Wentworth assisted living center. He was a kind and generous man, sharing his wealth and fortune with others especially his children and grandchildren who he helped with their education, missions and many other things.
He and Darlene would grow their family to six children, an even three boys and three girls, 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with one on the way. He was an awesome dad, grandpa and a model husband. He and mom created many happy memories of family vacations and holidays. Though the vacations became more sophisticated as we got older, some of our favorite memories were of the early days seeing the sites of southern Utah in our beat up truck "Old Blue" and camping in the "Springbar motel" tent.
As a result of the success of their business, Dad was able to enjoy an early retirement and spent many happy years with Mom at their St. George home and Newport Beach condo. They loved taking walks, shopping, golfing and eating at their favorite restaurants.
Dad was always quick with a joke or quip and had a knack for making people laugh. His many famous "Dadisms" were repeated many times through the years to the eye rolls of his children and grandchildren. Though he never owned one himself, he loved bulldogs and enjoyed statues and stuffed animals of them. He said those were the best kind of pet because you didn't need to clean up after them. He kept an immaculate house and yard that was the envy of his neighbors.
Dad took great care of mom over their 63 year marriage, especially in her waning years as she suffered from dementia before her death. He loved surprising her on her birthday with thoughtful gifts, cards, flowers, Mrs. Backer's cakes, as well as fun getaway vacations. In this tradition he surprised her one last time by passing away on her birthday and showing up in heaven to celebrate with her. It must have been a tremendous reunion and party!
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Darlene and is survived by his six children, Jeff, Natalie, Tamra (Brandon), Mark, Jill (Paul), Mike (Angie); 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; as well as sisters Pat and Jo. We wanted to extend a special thanks to our brother Mark for his dedicated and thoughtful care of our dad after our mom's passing. Dad always said he didn't know what he would have done without you. Good job Harry!
We will miss you dad. No more SSDDs.just better days ahead!
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Whitmore Ward, 6890 Whitmore Way, Cottonwood Heights, UT. A viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT, Thursday evening April 3, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A short viewing will also be held from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the services.
To watch the streamed service, please click on the Watch Service button above.