Ken Crellin
Born: November 1927, Tooele, Utah
Date of Interview: February 16, 2024
Ken Crellin was born in November 1927 in Tooele, Utah. Although his mother was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she was not active in the church. As a result, Ken was not raised with regular church involvement, though his older brother did attend.
In 1945, during the final year of World War II, Ken was drafted into military service. Instead of joining the Army, he chose to enlist in the United States Navy, where he served honorably through the end of the war.
Following his military service, Ken enrolled at the University of Utah. He graduated in 1952 and spent time working as a seasonal park ranger in Yellowstone National Park — an experience that combined his love for nature and responsibility.
During his college years, Ken met Eunice, a kind and faithful woman who lived in the apartment above his in downtown Salt Lake City. He was immediately drawn to her, and the two quickly formed a strong connection. They were married in 1953. Eunice was an active member of the Church, and while Ken wasn’t initially interested in religion, he accepted an invitation to attend a church class taught by Bishop Skanky. This moment would eventually lead to his baptism. Though his conversion started slowly, Ken was baptized while still in college and began attending church regularly in 1953.
In 1957, Ken and Eunice moved into the home they would share for decades. In the early 1960s, they were sealed in the temple in Idaho Falls, strengthening their commitment to each other and their faith.
Together, they raised two daughters and built a lasting legacy of faith, family, and service. Ken worked for Utah Power & Light for 50 years, contributing to his community through decades of dedicated labor. His wonderful wife Eunice passed away in 2014, after more than 60 years of marriage.
Interesting FactsJoined the U.S. Navy in 1945 instead of being drafted into the Army.
Worked as a seasonal ranger in Yellowstone National Park.
Was invited to church by Bishop Sckanky, which began his journey toward baptism.
Jumped out of an airplane at age 90.
Worked for Utah Power & Light for 50 years.
Has been retired for 41 years.
Has 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Has lived in the same home since 1957.
Was married for over 60 years before his wife’s passing in 2014.
La Vell Johnson
Born: January 1935, Salt Lake City, Utah
Date of Interview: February 23, 2024
LaVell Rolfson Johnson was born in January 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His parents were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and although not heavily involved, they raised LaVell in the faith.
From a young age, LaVell showed a keen interest in electronics. As a boy, he had a goal to build a portable radio — a project he eventually figured out and accomplished on his own. His curiosity and determination extended into practical skills as well. He helped his family rewire their home so they could expand its access to electricity, including installing a dryer. This upgrade spared his mother the hard work of hanging clothes to dry indoors.
As a young man, LaVell served a full-time mission in Winnipeg, Canada. After returning home, he met his future wife, Carol, on a blind date. He and a friend drew straws to decide who would accompany her, and LaVell won. At the time, both he and Carol were attending the University of Utah.
La Vell earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology with the goal of entering medical school. However, he soon felt drawn to a different field — biochemistry. He continued his education at Brigham Young University and received a Ph.D. in biochemistry. He went on to work for several companies within the medical field, applying his skills in research and innovation.
Interesting FactsBuilt a pocket-sized radio as a young boy, completely self-taught.
Helped rewire his family home as a child to improve electrical access.
Met his wife Carol by drawing straws on a blind date.
Shifted from a pre-med track in zoology to earn a Ph.D. in biochemistry.
His wife Carol attended BYU as a non-member but later joined the Church.
Worked in medical-related industries after earning his doctorate.
Eventually became self-employed after 6 years in the industry.
Invented a way to recycle antibodies, and automated that process using animals.
Had investors backing his company, including Howard Hughes.
Retired after selling his company and receiving three years of royalties.
With Carol, created a game called “Yellowstone Treasure Quest.”
He has six children, some of whom pursued medical careers.
Moved to his current home around 1975.
Was married to Carol for 61 years until she passed away in 2019.
Has been retired for 25 years.
Spends time reading scriptures and health books regularly.
Kenton Willis
Born: 1941, Cedar City, Utah
Date of Interview: March 2, 2025
Kenton Willis was born in 1941 in Cedar City, Utah, and was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was baptized in the historic old rock church in Cedar City. Kenton grew up with one sister, who still lives in their family home. His childhood was filled with outdoor adventures — he loved fishing with his father, who served as a bishop, and they spent time every week at Duck Creek. He enjoyed hunting, playing baseball, and being outside.
From a young age, Kenton worked in his father’s radio and TV repair shop, running errands and helping with business tasks. He also occasionally managed the store on his own, including handling valuable items like diamonds from the safe — a sign of how deeply his father trusted him.
Kenton served a mission for the Church in the Southwest British Mission. Before leaving, he earned an associate’s degree from the College of Southern Utah (now Southern Utah University). His missionary experience was memorable — he was interviewed by a new apostle, Gordon B. Hinckley, and set apart by Spencer W. Kimball. After his mission, Kenton attended BYU and studied mechanical engineering.
Although he initially pursued engineering, Kenton changed his major to English Literature with a minor in history — a choice driven by his deep love for Shakespeare, a passion that began in ninth grade. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Kenton met his wife Maxine while she was teaching elementary school. She had grown up in Midvale, Utah. On their fourth date, he proposed, and she accepted. Kenton would later recall how, when he dated girls in Cedar City, his mother would often inform him afterward that they were cousins — but not Maxine.
He went on to attend law school at the University of Utah during the Vietnam War. While finishing his degree, he worked as a legal researcher for a company called Terracor. After passing the bar, he continued at Terracor, later transferring to their legal department, where he remained for a total of 11 years.
Eventually, Kenton partnered with his uncle to form their own law firm. The firm specialized in real estate, land, and construction law, and operated for 20 years. Kenton retired around the age of 62, though he occasionally continued freelance legal work.
He and Maxine had four children. Sadly, two of their children passed away in infancy, while their daughters, Janel and Heather, continue to live in the area. Kenton has eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. After retirement, he and Maxine enjoyed traveling and taking road trips together.
Interesting FactsWas baptized in the historic rock church in Cedar City.
Worked solo as a youth, entrusted to manage the store and even handle diamonds.
Interviewed by Gordon B. Hinckley and set apart by Spencer W. Kimball before his mission.
Changed majors from engineering to English Literature purely out of love for Shakespeare.
Proposed on the fourth date to his wife Maxine — and she accepted.
Frequently dated girls who turned out to be distant cousins, according to his mom.
Ran a law firm for 20 years with his uncle, specializing in real estate and construction law.
Enjoys woodworking and has made many clocks and even a banjo.
Loves to spend time with his extended family.
Jerry Petersen
Born: July 18, 1933, Lincoln, Nebraska
Date of Interview: March 8, 2025
Jerry Petersen was born on July 18, 1933, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He grew up as the youngest in his family, with one brother who was twelve years older. His father served in World War I, and his brother served in World War II. In fact, his brother was aboard a ship that was sunk by the Japanese — miraculously, he survived.
Jerry’s parents were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed a childhood full of outdoor play and sports with friends. When he came of age, he joined the ROTC while attending the University of Nebraska. During his time in school, he was drafted for the Korean War. Due to a physical issue — he couldn’t fully twist his arm — he was not accepted into military service. This also prevented him from serving a mission, as the government had already classified him for military eligibility.
In his fourth year of college, Jerry transferred to Brigham Young University. While still in Nebraska, he had heard the BYU choir perform and longed to be a part of it. His first audition was unsuccessful, but he trained for a year and was accepted the next time he applied.
At the time, BYU did not offer a business program, but Jerry helped create one by piecing together a degree from existing courses. He became the first person to graduate from BYU with a business degree at the graduate level.
After graduation, Jerry secured a job at Pacific States Cast Iron Pipe and did well financially. He moved to Portland, Oregon, where he lived for seven years. Though he hoped to settle down and marry, he struggled to find someone he truly connected with. Eventually, he and a close friend made the bold decision to quit their jobs and travel the world — an adventure that lasted five and a half months and was filled with unforgettable experiences, including running with bulls.
When they returned, Jerry was nearly 30 and beginning to feel the pressure to settle down. He and his friend would often pray for direction. One day, hoping to meet someone, they drove around BYU looking for girls their age and spotted two walking. They offered them a ride, and as luck would have it, Jerry connected with one of them — a woman named Elane.
Later, at a BYU dance, Jerry saw Elane dancing with someone else. He approached her and told her he’d been dancing long enough and asked if he could take her on a date. She agreed, even though she didn’t usually date redheads. A friend jokingly remarked, “You’ve had her long enough,” and not long after, they were married — a union that lasted 52.5 years.
Jerry often said their courtship was something truly special. He had to convince her to fall in love with him while carefully navigating the fact that he was 11 years her senior. Elane passed away in January 2014 after a long battle with liver cancer. The family had one final, tender moment when they were gathered together, singing and playing instruments for her, just before she peacefully passed.
After marrying, Jerry and Elane lived with his parents while getting started. He landed a job at Nationwide Insurance and was instrumental in helping start their Utah office. He retired 34 years later. When he began, the agency had zero policies; by the time he retired, it was the fourth-largest in the area.
Jerry and Elane raised five children — four daughters and one son. Their family continued to grow and thrive, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many of whom are active in church service.
Interesting FactsHis brother survived a Japanese attack on a sunken ship during WWII.
Drafted for the Korean War but wasn’t accepted due to a physical limitation.
Was the first person to graduate from BYU with a business degree.
Created his own business degree path before BYU had a formal program.
Traveled the world for 5.5 months, visiting 150 countries, taking over 100 trips, and 40 cruises — including running with bulls.
He and a friend prayed to meet older women, then literally drove around BYU and offered a ride to two women, which led to meeting his wife.
Courtship included convincing his wife despite an 11-year age difference.
Was part of the BYU choir after training for a year following initial rejection.
He and Elane were married for 52.5 years.
At the end of her life, the family performed music for Elane, and she passed away peacefully as they played.
Helped found the Utah office of Nationwide Insurance, retiring after 34 years.
Started with 0 insurance policies, grew the office to #4 largest in the region.
Has 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 3.5 great-grandchildren.
4 of his grandchildren are currently serving missions.
An avid adventurer, he explored pioneer camp sites, abandoned railroads, and walked over 1,000 miles detecting with metal detectors.
Owns an extensive collection of historical artifacts.
Lou Moench
Born: 1943, Salt Lake City, Utah
Date of Interview: February 26th, 2025
Lou Moench was born in 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was raised in a devoted Latter-day Saint home. His mother was an artist and his father a psychiatrist. Lou was the fourth of eight children, and he had a joyful and active childhood filled with outdoor games alongside his siblings. He often played at Parley’s Creek — now known as Tanner Park — a favorite setting for his youthful adventures.
He later moved to the Holiday area and attended Evergreen Junior High and Olympus High School, where he excelled on the track team. Lou even set a 400-meter school record that stood for a period of time. His athletic success continued into college, where he competed as a runner at the University of Utah.
Following his undergraduate studies, Lou served a mission in Düsseldorf, Germany. After returning, he pursued medical school at the University of Utah. Upon completing his training, Lou was drafted into the military and served as an Air Force Flight Surgeon assigned to a fighter squadron.
His medical journey continued with advanced specialization at the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed a fellowship in general adult and forensic psychiatry. He earned his MD and dedicated himself to the psychiatric field.
Lou married his beloved wife Debbie shortly after graduating from the U of U. She accompanied him to Texas for a time early in their marriage. In 1984, they settled into their current home.
He spent much of his professional life working at Salt Lake Clinic and LDS Hospital. Lou worked intensely for 35 years, often seven days a week, before transitioning into outpatient care. Later in life, Lou and Debbie served a mission together in Frankfurt, Germany, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. After returning home, Lou continued to serve remotely for an additional 6.5 years, handling mental health services across Europe and advising mission and stake presidents.
Together, Lou and Debbie raised four children. One son followed in his father’s footsteps and became a psychiatrist. Three of their children are musicians — including a daughter who performs with the Utah Symphony. Another daughter is musically gifted as well.
Lou loves sports, reading, and listening to classical music. He has traveled extensively and considers himself very blessed by the experiences life has offered.
Interesting Facts
Set a 400-meter school record while on the track team at Olympus High.
Served a mission in Düsseldorf, Germany, then later returned to Germany for a couple mission in Frankfurt.
Served as an Air Force Flight Surgeon assigned to a fighter squadron.
Completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania.
Worked 7 days a week for 35 years before shifting to outpatient care.
Continued serving online as a mental health advisor for 6.5 years post-retirement, helping leaders across all of Europe.
One daughter performs with the Utah Symphony.
A son is Director of Psychiatry Services at a care facility.
Loves classical music, sports, reading, and has traveled extensively.
Describes his life as “very blessed by it all.”
Bob Candland
Born: 1936, Mount Pleasant, Utah
Date of Interview: April 13th, 2025
Bob Candland was born in 1936 in Mount Pleasant, Utah. He was one of four children and the youngest by a significant margin—the sibling closest in age to him was 14 years older. Despite the age gap, his older siblings were very kind to him. His parents were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though not active. Still, they were known as good, honest, and hardworking people.
His early life was shaped by rural life and family heritage. His family raised sheep, and Bob’s grandfather, W.D. Candland, ran a business called “W.D. Candland & Sons.” His great-grandfather, David Candland, had been sent to Mount Pleasant by Brigham Young himself.
The Great Depression had a major impact on his family. It wiped them out financially, forcing a move to Provo. There, Bob grew up, attended school, and later enrolled at BYU. At the age of nine, a friend from Provo took him to church and later helped him get baptized, even though Bob didn’t know much about the church at the time. That experience planted the seeds of his faith.
He began attending regularly and developed a love for learning, especially in seminary. Inspired by the examples of older boys who left on missions and returned transformed, Bob felt compelled to serve. His testimony continued to grow, especially as he realized that sharing the gospel wasn’t about himself, but about serving others.
Bob went on to serve a mission in Northern California. Afterward, he studied Electrical Engineering and later began a career in the aerospace industry in Long Beach, California. He also served six months in the Army as a field radio technician.
While in Long Beach, he met his future wife on a blind date. She had attended BYU as a non-member and appreciated that the people there didn’t smoke or drink. She was a school teacher and eventually got baptized during her senior year. The two were married in Long Beach.
Bob and his wife returned to Salt Lake City, where he earned a graduate degree at the University of Utah. He landed a job at IBM, working as a salesman and remained with the company for 30 years. He later transitioned into another sales role, continuing to work until he was 76.
They had three children—two daughters and one son. Two of their children live in Salt Lake City and the third resides in New Zealand. Bob’s wife, Jackie, passed away in 2019 from Alzheimer’s disease. They were sealed in the temple and shared a beautiful life together.
Bob moved into his current neighborhood in 1978. His faith and family remained central to his life. Reflecting back, he considers himself very lucky.
Interesting Facts
His great-grandfather, David Candland, was sent to settle Mount Pleasant by Brigham Young.
Bob was baptized at age 9. Through the invitation of friend, even though he knew very little about the church at the time.
Served in the Army as a field radio technician for six months.
Had a long 30-year career at IBM.
His wife joined the Church at BYU, and they married in Long Beach.
Worked until he was 76 years old.
One of his children lives in New Zealand.
He and his siblings were all eventually married in the temple.
His father was born in 1895, and his eldest sibling in 1918.