From Nurse to Gymnastics Trailblazer: Louise Moehn Inspired Many Around Her

ALTON — Louise Moehn, of Alton, a pioneering gymnastics and dance educator and longtime nurse, died on Jan. 26, 2026, at age 85. Moehn was an owner and operator of Mid-Illinois Gymnastics and Dance Academy from its founding in 1968 until her retirement, helping to establish the institution as a cornerstone of the local community.

Born Nov. 7, 1940, in Quincy, Moehn graduated from Alton High School and DePaul University School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse at Saint Anthony’s Hospital while developing a gymnastics program alongside her husband, Larry Moehn, a professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

The couple founded the gymnastics school at the YMCA in Alton in 1968. Over the following decades, the program expanded and moved from Elm Street in 1972 to Belle Street in Alton in 1982, and finally to its current location on West Adams Parkway in Godfrey in 1996.

Mid-Illinois Gymnastics and Dance Academy is recognized as the oldest private gymnastics club in the St. Louis metropolitan area and the only facility in the Alton/Godfrey region offering USA Gymnastics and USTA tumble teams.

Kristin Bower, Moehn’s daughter and current manager of the academy, described her mother as a steady and compassionate mentor who “always knew the right thing to say."

"She quietly supported her athletes, including those facing financial challenges," Bower said. “She was a coach, a mentor, a mother, and an advisor to all these kids. She never wanted to take credit, but she always said the right thing at the right time.”

Bower also highlighted her mother’s deep personal commitment to family and the gymnastics community.

“I spent every day with them (Louise and Larry) after they opened the new gym in Godfrey. It was a family affair, and I loved my time with them,” she said.

Louise Moehn remained actively involved in the academy’s operations until six months before her death, continuing to add scores and attend meets even at age 85.

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Louise and Larry Moehn were jointly honored with the USA Gymnastics Lifetime Achievement Award for their lifelong dedication to youth development and gymnastics. Their work introduced advanced tumbling techniques and high-speed training to the region, fostering a family-oriented environment staffed by highly qualified coaches and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

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Moehn’s influence extended beyond athletics, nurturing generations of young people who went on to careers as lawyers, doctors, and community leaders.

“Many of her kids went on to become lawyers and doctors,” Bower said. “My mom went to so many weddings and showers of these kids over the years.”

Louise Moehn is survived by her husband of 65 years, Larry; their five children —Andrew, Kristin, Michael, John, and Steve; and 13 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Gent Funeral Home in Alton.

A private Mass and burial will be held for the immediate family, with a public celebration of life planned for the spring.

Brendan Lawson, a coach at Mid-Illinois Gymnastics, offered a heartfelt tribute to Louise, a dedicated coach at the facility.

Lawson said, "To know her was to love her. She wanted everyone to succeed and would make sure to celebrate even the smallest of victories. She has coached thousands of athletes and took the time to get to know each and every one of them."

Lawson said he first met Louise when he was 4 years old and walked through the doors of Mid-Illinois Gymnastics for the first time.

"She molded my love for gymnastics, and it's where I have spent the last 27 years (17 years as a coach), sharing those same passions. We spent countless hours together, shared major milestones, and made endless memories. She was our fearless leader who did everything behind the scenes for years to make sure this operation ran smoothly so we could dedicate our time to the athletes.

"Her presence, her smile, and her passion for this gym will be truly missed. She wasn't just a boss to me, she was family, and I will carry her memory and spirit with me forever."

Bower said messages of condolence have come from across the country, reflecting Moehn’s broad impact on the gymnastics community and beyond.

"She will be deeply missed," her daughter said.

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