Donald "Squeak" Molzahn Sr.

Donald “Squeak” Molzahn Sr., 88 of La Crosse, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at the Hillview Healthcare Center, La Crosse. He was born in La Crosse on September 27, 1927 to Otto and Mabel (Lueth) Molzahn. On February 8, 1946 Don entered into service with the United States Coast Guard where he proudly served his country until his honorable discharge.

From 1949-1950 he served as the Drum Major of the VFW Drum and Bugle Corps where he met his future wife Phyllis, who was the Drum Majorette. Together they formed the Debutantes Baton and Drum Corps. Don also served as assistant director of the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps at its inception. On September 2, 1950 he married Phyllis M. Lepsch and together they had four children; Barbara Blank, Donald (Jan) Molzahn, Jr., Patti (Mike) Fellenz and Shelley (Mark) Kallenbach; seven grandchildren; Chad (Rebecca) Blank, Abby (Thad) Glick, Heather (Chris) Hodge, Nick (Erin) Fellenz, Michelle (Chad) Powell, Betsy Kallenbach, Kyle (Amanda) Kallenbach; 11 great-grandchildren; Sydney and Chase Blank, Kaden, Kolton and Konnor Glick, Mackenzie and Max Hodge, Charlotte Fellenz, Aimsleigh Powell, Kinley and Brock Kallenbach. He is further survived by his brother Douglas (Helen) Molzahn of Egg Harbor, WI and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, a son Donald J. Molzahn Jr., a brother Robert Molzahn, sister-in-law Murilla “Sis” Molzahn, and a niece Sandra Kottwitz.

Don retired from WWTC after 22 years in the Maintenance Department. Prior to that he had several other jobs including: Nustad’s Coffee Co. and Oliver Office Equipment as a Sales Representative.

He was active in the Thomas Rooney VFW Post 1530, the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 and had served as Governor for the Loyal Order of Moose. Don’s military background and love for history led him to the LST Association where he actively participated in bringing home the LST 325 across the Atlantic to its permanent home in Evansville, Indiana. In 2000 at the age of 73 Lt. Don Molzahn earned national recognition as one of the 29 salty old men who took a “Mission Impossible” and turned it into “Mission Accomplished”.

In 2001 Don was awarded the Hometown Hero Award from the Wisconsin State Assembly for his determination and dedication in bringing back the LST 325 War Memorial. Along with the entire LST 325 crew he was presented “Patriot of the Year” award.

Don was a good football and basketball player at Central High School. One of his greatest enjoyments in life was attending his grandchildren’s athletic events.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Hillview for the loving care they provided to our father during his stay.
Thank you to our father, grandfather, and great grandfather for the legacy you left us: perseverance, hard work, and a sense of humor. “Whole Bunch”, “Auf Wiedersehen”.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Mary Mother of the Church Parish; 2006 Weston St., La Crosse. Rev. Brian D. Konopa and Deacon Richard Sage will officiate. Military honors will be provided by the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52. Burial at sea will take place at a later date. Friends may call on the family Friday morning at the church from 9:30 am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated in Don’s memory.