Wayne Alfred Molstad

MOVILLE, Iowa -- Wayne A. Molstad, 91, of rural Moville passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, at his residence.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Moville United Methodist Church in Moville, with the Rev. Ed Frank officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Park Cemetery, Sioux City. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. today at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of McCulloch Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Homes in Moville. Condolences may be sent online to www.christysmith.com .

Wayne was born Dec. 24, 1917, in Dedham, Iowa, the first born son of Alfred and Addie (Onstat) Molstad. As a youth, he moved with his family to rural Moville and lived on the same farm where he retired. He graduated from Moville High School with the class of 1935.

On Feb. 4, 1942, he married Dorothy Noffsinger in Lawton, Iowa. Together, they farmed their land. He provided loving care for her until her death in July 1989. Following her death, he cared for his mother-in-law, Alice Noffsinger until her death in 1990. In his retirement, he continued to work the farming seasons. He also was employed with Christy-Smith McCulloch Chapel for many years.

He was very active in his community and enjoyed seeing and talking to everyone he would meet. He was a lifelong member of United Methodist Church, where he served in the administrative council as a chairman. He was the chairman of the Memorial Committee for 21 years. He was a 50-year member of the board for Farmers Mutual Insurance in Moville. Since 2003 until the time of his death, he served as president.

The Woodbury County Fair was a very important event for him. He could be found every day at the fair helping in some way. He served on the board both as a member and president and was superintendent of the poultry and rabbit barn. Working at the grandstand also was a fun part of the fair for him. In his later years, he enjoyed attending the fair with the main purpose of chatting with old friends from around the county. In addition, he was a member of the Woodbury County Extension Council and judged 4-H member's record books. In August 2007, he received the Friends of 4-H Award and was inducted by the Iowa State Extension Service into the Hall of Fame.

He was a member of the Farm Bureau board of directors, serving in various offices. Service on the board offered him opportunities to meet and share ideas with Farm Bureau members across the country. He also was soil commissioner for Woodbury County (NRCS).

He gave himself and his family a special gift when he and Rosina Walker became wonderful friends. On one could have asked for a more loving individual to bring joy to both Wayne and his family. He cherished her friendship as the family will continue to cherish her as well. He also enjoyed the companionship of his beloved canine, Lady, the black lab. She provided love and laughs every day.

Survivors include three daughters, Sarah and Eldon Meissner of Pierson, Iowa, Marbeth and Charles Nyquist of Spencer, Iowa, and Linda Robeson of Sioux City; two sons, David and Deb Molstad of Moville and Dan Molstad of Sioux City; his special friend, Rosie Walker of Moville; eight grandchildren, Chuck and Polly Meissner, Randi and Ray Anstine, Marti Meissner, Jeff and Christina Meissner, Cindi and Casey Koch, Chrissie and Al Weiseler, Molly and Brent Petersen and Jamie and Matt Hacket; a brother, Dr. Irving and Gina Molstad of Sioux City; a sister, Mary and Gilbert Smith of Whiting, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Maxine Molstad of Phoenix, Ariz.; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Addie Molstad; his wife, Dorothy Molstad; a grandson, Timothy Meissner; and two brothers, Howard and Ella Marie Molstad and Dr. Lloyd Molstad.