Lorin Dean Andersen

Our loving Dad and Papa Dean passed away peacefully at his home on July 10, 2023 at the age of 91.

Dad was born to loving parents on June 3, 1932 near the family farm in Blue Creek, Utah. As the third child, he had 4 sisters and 2 brothers. He spent a lot of his childhood on the Blue Creek farm and loved to recall stories about his experiences living on the farm to anyone who would listen. His family had a home in town which allowed him to attend McKinley Elementary where he was a cheerleader with his elementary school girlfriend.  

After spending a lot of time driving his friend Max and Max’s girlfriend Connie around town, Dad took an opportunity to take Connie to the picture show. He recalled that moment as one of the happiest days of his life and loved to share the story of how he and Mom met. That picture show was the start of something beautiful and long lasting. Dad married the love of his life, Connie Forsberg Andersen, in the Logan, Utah temple on September 10, 1951. Together they built a legacy of family throughout their almost 71 years of marriage here on this earth. He was the father of three children, JaDene, Dee, and Teena. He was Papa Dean to 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. He may not have been able to remember all of the grandkids’ names, but he never let them leave a visit without expressing his love for each of them individually.

Dad spent many years farming but also retired from Thiokol after 34 years of working as a process engineer. He got to go on many trips and always returned with something special for those he loved. Dad enjoyed riding horses and spent many years as a member of the Box Elder Sheriff’s Posse. He enjoyed the people he spent time with on posse rides in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming and made memories he remembered years later. He was part of the fast and furious posse drill that many remember from the Golden Spike Rodeo at the Box Elder County Fair and loved the thrill of the ride.

Our Dad had the special role of being Santa’s helper. His kids and grandkids have many memories of helping him bring Christmas joy to families in our valley, and his great grandkids felt special having a personal connection to Santa Claus. 

Papa Dean was his family’s biggest fan. He could often be found cheering for his grandkids and great grandkids at football, basketball, and softball games, dance competitions, dirt bike races, cutter races, or high school rodeos; no matter the duration or the weather. When health made it more difficult to attend events, he was still supporting his favorite people from home, always checking in to see how the latest competition had ended. 

Dad was someone you could go to with any problem, no matter the size. If you needed a mint, you could always find a tic tac or breath-saver in his front pocket. If you had a loose tooth, he had a painless and fun way to pull it out so your tooth stayed tied to the floss. If you needed advice, he would sit down, listen, and offer his support. 

Dad was happy to be along for the ride. He was always content to be doing what everyone else was doing, especially when it was being done as a family. Our strongest evidence of this is the time he found himself on Montezooma’s Revenge at Knott’s Berry Farm. He unknowingly buckled into the rollercoaster like a champ, even though there may have been some minor side effects.

Dad was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. One of his favorite callings was the ward librarian, where many grandchildren visited him for a mint and a smile during Sunday school. 

He will forever be missed by his children- JaDene (Dick) Owen, Dee (LaNette) Andersen, Teena (Mike) Hupp; sisters- Eva Allred, Elaine (Lee) Johnsen, and Marilyn Lightfoot; seven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren, as well as many bonus grandchildren.

He was welcomed for the next dance by his sweetheart Connie Forsberg Andersen; parents- Hans and Irene Andersen; brothers- Darrell Andersen and Leon Andersen; sister- Betty Jean Reese; and many other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Noon at the Belmont LDS Church (16925 N 5200 W- Garland). Viewings will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 6-8 P.M. at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home (111 N 100 E- Tremonton) and prior to the service at the church from 10:30-11:30 A.M. Interment will be held in the Riverside Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed below.

A special thanks to all of Dad’s caregivers and the great people at IHC Hospice.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.