Molzen, Leonard 1921-2010

MOLZEN, PLUEGER, LUDWIGS

Posted By: Janet Schuldt, Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/18/2012 at 16:03:11

Friday, October 8, 2010 Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Le Mars, Plymouth, Iowa, USA

Leonard Molzen, 89, of rural Le Mars, died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Society-Le Mars in Mars.

Leonard Molzen was born July 11, 1921, in Le Mars, the son of Herbert and Anna (Plueger) Molzen. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Akron. Leonard attended country school near his home and later assisted his parents with farming in Johnson Township.

On Jan. 2, 1942 Leonard and Ella Ludwigs were united in marriage at Christ Lutheran Church (Grant Township), rural Le Mars. The couple made their home on the family farm in Plymouth County where Leonard and Ella worked side by side raising crops and livestock.

Leonard was well known in the community for his implement repair and welding shop; he was one of the best around and was always willing to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor. After retiring from farming, he continued to enjoy restoring and maintaining his huge collection of antique tractors and farm equipment. He loved showing it to visitors and explaining how things were done in the good old days. The highlight of many summers for him was his annual threshing bee. He enjoyed getting the old machines running and showing people how they worked. Leonard was one of the few people around who actually still knew how to make the old threshing machines work.

After moving to Brentwood Good Samaritan Center in 2005, Leonard enjoyed visiting with the residents, staff and visitors and taking part in the many activities they provided. He especially enjoyed showing people his collection of miniature tractors and farm equipment that he crafted out of pieces of scrap and odds and ends that he found. He won many blue ribbons at the Plymouth County Fair for his efforts.

Leonard will be lovingly remembered by his son, Larry Molzen and his wife Sharon of Hinton; two grandchildren, Tim Molzen and his wife, Monti of Hinton, and Mike Molzen and his special friend, Katie Jeffries of Coralville; and a great-grandson, Willie T. Molzen of Hinton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ella on May 10, 2007; and a brother, Daryl Molzen.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church (Preston Township), rural Akron. The Rev. Sarah Nye will officiate. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Mauer - Johnson Funeral Home of Le Mars. The family will be present to greet friends from 6-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral.