Rich M. Moench

Rich M. Moench, 84, of Humboldt, passed away at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital on Sunday evening, December 18, 2022.


If you know Rich Moench, you know how much he loved an opportunity. God tapped Rich on Sunday, December 18th and offered him 160 acres of prime farmland a mile west of the golden gates. While Rich loves his family, he also loves farming. With a wink and a nod to those he loves on earth, he accepted his wings, on the condition that his farm equipment in heaven was Red.


Richard Mervin Moench was born to William and Bertha Moench on September 28, 1938. Rich faced life with a strong foundation based on his Lutheran upbringing. When a challenge was presented, he relied on his faith to see him through it. He married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Kunert, on November 3, 1957. The two of them built a life within the Humboldt community.


While Rich was a farmer at heart, he was also an entrepreneur. He was a butcher, running Moench’s Specialty Meats where he curated his own recipes for meats and spices. Rich and Sandy managed the Humboldt Country Club for several years, as well as operating the restaurant at the Wind River Ski Lodge. One of his most memorable jobs was as an over-the-road truck driver for Jet Co. He often told stories of his travels, and the beautiful places he saw. He served as a Humboldt County Supervisor for several years; was president of the Iowa State Snowmobile Association and served many years on the Humboldt County Fair Board.


Rich and Sandy raised 4 children; Lauri Moench-Lloyd (Leslie Lloyd), Jodi Moench-Giddings (Mark Giddings); Jenni Moench-Grisso (David Grisso); and David Moench (Jean Cavanaugh-Moench).


He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Delores Telford, ten grandchildren: Zach Larson (Bridget), Lindsay Larson-Klein (Bradley) Mike Larson (Abby), Seth Giddings (Cydnee), Kelsey Grisso, Jill-Grisso Brown (Matt), Tyler Moench (Katie), Adam Moench (Talia), Jackson Moench (Katie) and thirteen great grandchildren.


Rich was preceded in death by his wife Sandy, Granddaughter, Shadlee Giddings, his parents and brother Herbert Moench.


Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 6th and visitation will be held on Thursday, January 5th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. both at Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt. Interment will be at a later date in East Beaver Cemetery, Thor. Memorials may be made to the East Beaver Cemetery. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service of Humboldt is in charge of the arrangements. www.masonlindhart.com