Glen (Junior) Degelbeck

Junior Degelbeck gained his wings and returned to his Heavenly Father on February 9, 2023 at the age of 79. Junior was born in Lehi, Utah on January 1, 1944.  He was the first child born to Glen Henry Degelbeck and Dorothy Robinson. His formal name is Glen Junior, but always went by Junior or JR. He was raised in Lehi, Utah in his early childhood, but soon moved to Ophir, Utah for his dad to work in the mine.  He grew up with his cousins as his best friends, and the mountains were his playground. Junior went to Ophir Elementary which was a 2-room school house.  He and his cousin Carolyn were the only 6th graders. After several years his family moved back to Lehi where he attended Lehi High school and graduated in 1962.  He was involved in 3 sports; football, wrestling and baseball.  Baseball was his favorite and has become a family legacy.  He also joined the school choir just to get another picture in the yearbook, which he didn’t need as he was voted most preferred man and prom king. He joined the national guard right after high school and went to Fort Ord, California and then was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington for basic training, then did the national guard weekends for the next 6 years.  Junior always worked and paid his own way.  Ironically his first big job was driving a fork lift for Utah Fur Breeders Co-op and Lyn’s parents were mink ranchers and members.  He met his eternal companion on a blind date.  They dated for a year and a half and he finally convinced her it was the right thing and they were married on April 12, 1967 in the SLC Temple.  Their most precious assets are their 6 children, 22 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  Junior’s father-in law soon took him under his wing and he became a mink rancher.  He worked in this profession for 41 years side by side with his brother in law Gordy Williams.  They were very good at their trade.  When people would ask how we could stand the smell of the mink, Lyn coined the phrase “they smell like money.”  It was hard work and they taught their children and grandchildren the value that comes from being committed and responsible.  

Junior loved hunting and fishing and the family spent a lot of time doing outdoor activities. Junior’s love of baseball has been passed on to his sons and grandsons. He coached baseball in little league and pony league and was a great mentor to many young men. He had a lot of church callings, one of his favorite assignments was being in the celestial room of the Mount Timpanogos temple during the open house and then after he retired he worked for 5 years in the temple baptistery.  Junior had a sudden decline in his health 20 months ago and resided at Orchard View Assisted Living in Payson, Utah.  Junior and Lyn acquired a whole new set of friends in that facility and his eyes and smile would light up their day.  Thanks to all who loved him and cared for him like he was their own.

Junior is survived by his wife Lyn of 57 years  and their children Kimberly (Jason)Oviatt, Mike (Jamie)Degelbeck, Doug (Angie) Degelbeck, Natalie (Scott)Sampson, Greg (Natalie)Degelbeck, and Ashlee Crosby. His 22 grandchildren were18 grandsons and 4 precious granddaughters. His siblings Norma Jesson, Barbara (Larry)Taylor, Linda Shaw,  John (Jamie)Degelbeck. His brother in-law Gordy Williams and sister in-law Patty (Paul)Aston and many nieces and nephews who also adored him.  

There will be a viewing held in his honor on Thursday, February 16, from 6-8 pm at  9621 North 6050 West Highland, Utah 84003 and the funeral  services will be held on Friday, February 17, at 11 a.m at the same location with a viewing prior from 10-10:45 am.

Please click on the link below to view Glenn's services via livestream:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKQPFmNsMMk