John Loren Schenk

John Loren Schenk (Larry) passed away on January 18, 2025 at the age of 85 in the comfort of his home surrounded by family. Larry was born April 12,1939 in Nyssa, Oregon to John (Jack) Schenk and Nelda Moore Schenk. He was the brother of three dear sisters and his Uncle Tom who became his brother along with several uncles who were mentors for Dad as a young boy and throughout his life as the stories were repeatedly told to us kids. Dad’s love and admiration for his Mother, Father, siblings and family at an early age inspired and influenced his life and dedication to eventually his own family. 

Raised on the family Nyssa farm hand in hand with his Dad learning the skills of farming and the meaning of hard work, along with a “never give up attitude” and faith continued to strengthen Dad throughout his life of continued work and service both in his personal aspirations and with countless family and friends. During this time, he was also a star athlete in High School in track, basketball and baseball. Soon after graduation, Dad developed a knack and keen interest for business and at a young age began to broker beets throughout the community of farmers. This experience laid the foundation as an entrepreneur that eventually became his passion and a driving force in his life. 

Dad’s athleticism led him to a baseball scholarship to BYU. Where he played first base and once again excelled at what he loved in life. At BYU, he met his wife Lana Eldredge and after completing his mission in Berlin, Germany for the LDS Church, they later married and were sealed in the St. George temple. Dad and Mom then moved to Nyssa where they started their family. Dad’s interest and pursuit of Business led them to Phoenix, AZ where Dad furthered his education by graduating from The American Graduate of International Management (Thunderbird). Dads career aspirations quickly landed them back East and then to Las Vegas along with a growing family of five children.

Dads entrepreneurial spirit then moved the family to Germany where we lived for three years. Living abroad tightened our family through countless experiences where Dad and Mom raised us together, sharing their love of Europe and the world abroad. 

Dad was a man of wisdom and an avid reader with broad international experience and adventure that brought color and context to a wide variety of topics ranging from foreign policy, international politics, local & national news, and sports to gardening. Dad was “the one” that we kids could always turn to for love, support and direction. He was the keeper of our secrets without judgement. He shared in all our successes and during the tough times he would simply listen as we talked through our challenges before offering his council. He consistently led by example with a calm demeanor, very methodical and sensible in his approach to life’s challenges and with honor and grace he always persevered no matter the obstacle. 

Dad loved his kids and nurtured a very special bond with each of us. He knew us individually and shared fully in our lives, interests and aspirations regardless of our differences and uniqueness, which he loved dearly. The one common thread that Dad continually weaved in our family and between us all was the Gospel. Dad always and no matter what pointed us back to the foundation and guiding light and love of Christ. Family was always central to Dad’s life and in his later years he committed his time and energy to Genealogy and a quest to find and complete ordinances for every family member that he could. He was relentless and poured his heart into this work. 

 Dad, a very complex man, also enjoyed a very competitive spirit! Throughout his life, If he wasn’t on the field playing then you could find him on the sidelines cheering on his favorite team from BYU to the Red Socks and any pick-up game in between. He loved nothing more than coaching or attending Steve and Mark’s basketball & football games and then with such enthusiasm he enjoyed every minute of following his grandson’s games in baseball, basketball, football and golf. Sports were a focal point and passion throughout Dad’s life. 

We will miss his sense of humor and love of storytelling that always captured our attention at the dinner table and if you weren’t listening closely, you would miss it. He openly shared with us an extraordinarily adventurous life that only Dad and the man he was could have imagined and lived. His Life, his love and the rock that he was and still is in our lives along with every cherished memory will never be forgotten as he has now passed the Schenk baton to us and his legacy forever. We Love and Miss you Dad. 

Larry is survived by his wife Lana and children Lynda Schenk, Steve (DeeAnn) Schenk, Tonja Schenk, Lara Schenk. Eleven Grandchildren and eight Great Grandchildren. Larry is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Nelda Schenk and son Mark Schenk.

Funeral Services will be held on January 24th at 11am at the LDS church located at 2925 East, Bengal Blvd in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 – 10:45 am. Interment will be in the Mountain View Estates Cemetery.