Glenn Orris Moen

Glenn and his parents, William and Ora Moen, moved to a farm in Hudson, South Dakota when he was a toddler. The property was surrounded by other farms of his uncles, aunts, and cousins. The closeness of his family forged the strong family bonds Glenn had throughout his life. Glenn enjoyed growing up on the farm where he had a dog, a horse and a pet pig (who would invite himself into the tent when Glenn was camping), except for evening chores that interfered with listening to The Lone Ranger, his favorite radio program. He rode his horse to the one-room schoolhouse for grade school.

After graduating high school Glenn wanted to see the world so he enlisted in the navy, apparently forgetting he got seasick. He served in the Korean War, seeing Japan and the Philippines, and afterward settled in southern California. He obtained an Associate’s degree at Long Beach Community College and became an auto mechanic.

Glenn married Kathleen (Kay) Tighe in 1957 and had 2 daughters, Susan and Carol. He took on a caregiver role when the girls were little, due to Kay working swing shift, where he was in charge of dinner, baths and countless bedtime stories. Glenn and family moved to Winnemucca, Nevada and then onto Canton, South Dakota, just 10 miles from the family farm he grew up on. Tired of the harsh winters, Glenn moved his family to Phoenix, Arizona in 1972.

He retired from auto mechanics in 1995 and ran a handyman business for several years with his friend Glen Hagan. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren: Jamie, Nicole, Megan, and Tristan. Glenn was widowed in 1999. He was fortunate to meet Sharyl Potoff; they were inseparable from the start and married in 2001.

Glenn and Sharyl enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends and family, and spoiling their grandkids and great grandkids (Gavin, Bella, and Jayce). Their favorite place to visit was Colorado where their daughters and grandchildren lived. Glenn also liked to golf while Sharyl alternatively cheered him on and offered helpful tips.

As his health declined, Sharyl was devoted to providing loving care to Glenn and was by his side when he passed away on October 21, 2025.

He leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, patience, honesty, acceptance and the ability to bring out the best in everyone. Glenn’s wife Sharyl, daughters Susan and Carol, grandchildren Jamie, Nicole, Megan, and Tristan, great-grandchildren Gavin, Bella, and Jayce, sister-in-law Debbie, brother-in-law Doug and numerous nieces, nephews and friends will endeavor to continue his legacy. Glenn is also survived by his South Dakota family, children of his brother, who proceeded Glenn in death; Joe, Sherrie, Glenn and Alicia and their families.