Neil Molden

Neil Molden, age 70, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Saturday (May 16th) at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Fargo, ND. Memorial services will be held on Saturday (May 23rd) at 11:00 am at Samhold Lutheran Church in Gonvick, MN with the Rev. Thomas Jacobson officiating. Interment will be in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gonvick. Military honors will be provided by the Gonvick American Legion Post #304. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com. Neil Curtiss Molden was born on the family farm on September 20, 1938, to parents Otto and Ella (Myhre) Molden. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church until it was closed in 1989, serving on the church council for several years. He was currently a member of Samhold Lutheran Church. Neil attended the Lone Pine School and graduated from Fosston High School in 1956. After high school graduation Neil worked on the family farm, as well as three seasons sailing on the ore boats and two years as a machinist at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. He served in the Army in 1961 and 1962. Neil purchased the family farm and operated a dairy farm. He worked as a carpenter for several years in Connecticut and Minnesota, and was a certified welder for a bridge-building company.On April 20, 1963, Neil was married to Linda Wood. They had four children. Neil enjoyed farming, gardening, his pets, and the outdoors. His church was a special part of his life, especially Luther League and the children's programs. Neil's children and grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he was happy when surrounded by them and his pets.Neil passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2009 after battling lymphoma for 18 years at the VA Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota at the age of 70 years.Neil is survived by his wife, one son Daniel of Miami, FL, three daughters, Coleen (Dale) Ferguson of Sauk Rapids, MN, Stephanie (Michael) Brueggemann and Heather (Jimmy) Parra of Tucson, AZ, and five grandchildren, Anthony Ferguson, Eva and Samuel Parra, and Elyse and Amelia Brueggemann; one brother Donald (Lois) Molden of Clearbrook, MN, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.Honorary Pallbearers will be VA Medical Center Staff.