Earl D Molden

Earl Molden, age 71, of rural Appleton, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023, in Mercy One Hospital in Des Moines, IA.  Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton. Visitation will resume from 10-11 a.m., followed by the Funeral Service at 11 a.m., Friday, January 13, 2023, at the church.  Pastor John Ramsbacher will officiate.  Burial will be at Jevnaker Lutheran Church, rural Montevideo.

Earl DuWayne Molden was born April 8, 1951, in Montevideo, Minnesota, the son of Darwin and Mildred “Millie” (Christenson) Molden. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. Growing up, Earl lived in the Big Bend area, Maynard, and Benson, graduating from Benson High School in 1969.  After high school, he attended Moorhead State University, graduating in 1973 with a degree in Elementary Education. On July 6, 1974, he was united in marriage to Gloria Jane Olson, by Rev. Eric Josephson in Spicer.  This union was blessed with 48 years together and four children: Todd, Heidi, Amanda, and Andrew.

Earl was hired by the Appleton School District immediately out of college, where he worked at the Appleton Elementary School for the next 43 years!  After retirement, Earl continued to work as a substitute teacher whenever he was needed.  He also enjoyed serving a term on the Lac qui Parle Valley School Board.

Earl was an avid 4-Her, spending many years on the 4-H Advisory Board.  Earl loved anything associated with poultry.  He was a long-time fixture at the Swift County Fair poultry barn.  In addition, Earl was a member of the State Fair Poultry Committee…he never gave up a chance to spend a week at the state fair! Earl bowled on a couple of leagues for many years and was a loyal watcher of “Murder She Wrote”, “Perry Mason”, and “Hogan’s Heroes”. He loved his family and could often be found attending his grandkids sporting events…he was so proud of them and was one of their biggest fans!

Earl passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023, in Mercy One Hospital in Des Moines, IA.  He attained 71 years, 8 months, and 29 days of age.  Earl is survived by his wife Gloria Molden of Appleton; his children: Todd (Tania) Molden of Fargo, ND, Amanda Molden of Appleton, and Andrew (Alli) of West Fargo, ND; his 13 grandchildren: Tyrone Molden, Thomas Daniels, Darrick Molden, Kaden Molden, Ethan Heck, Gwynnie Molden, Espyn Molden, Addy Molden, Jackson Molden, Ameila Molden, Signy Molden, Christian Molden, and Trygve Molden; his dad, Stan Wilts of Appleton; his siblings: Marlowe Molden of Eagan, Carol (John) Roessler of Elysian, Debi (Don) Bursken of Morris, and Bobby (Tammy) Wilts of Appleton; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Heidi Schuelke; his parents-in-law, Stan and Rosie Olson; his sister, Peggy Hillbrand; his sister-in-law, Judy Olson; and his brother-in-law, Doug Olson. Blessed be the memory of Earl DuWayne Molden.