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Molin, William Herbert (Bill)

William Herbert Molin was born on Sept. 5, 1930  to Hazel Louella (Synder) and Paul Clifford Molin in Braham, Minnesota. He passed away on Oct. 5, 2017.

He was the youngest of the Molin family and was born with a twin, who died at birth. The oldest child was Douglas Clifford, who lived for only one day. His other siblings were: Robert Paul, Earl Walter, Donald Wayne and Delores Hazel. Not liking school much, he dropped out after the 7th grade and worked on neighboring farms. At age 17, he enlisted in the Army during the Korean War from 12/16/47 – 11/22/51. He spent nearly all of his time over-seas and fought on the front lines, receiving three bronze stars and the rank of Private 1st class and managed to come home without any injuries. Bill was especially proud of his service to our country. After leaving the service, he traveled to Racine, WI to work at the power plant at the Racine County Home. There he met Donna Rae Zielinski, daughter of the plant engineer and they married on June 14, 1952.

They had three children: Clifford Emil Molin (Stacy), Tomahawk, WI; Jane Ellen Kleist (Clark), Waupaca, WI and William Emil Molin, Indiana. He has two granddaughters, Jennifer (David) Hester, Arizona and Ivy Ann Kleist and one great-granddaughter, Gracestin Mary Rose Hester.

Bill worked various jobs over the years: construction work, remodeling work and for nearly 10 years, he worked at J.I. Case in Racine. He and his wife bought a country tavern called “The Buzz Inn” which they operated for five years. After that, they bought a small farm in Neillsville, which was to be their last residence. Bill put in a bid with the USPS and became a Star Route Driver until he retired at age 62. Bill and Donna Rae (born May 27, 1945) were married for 50 years until her death on December 12, 2003, at the age of 69. After his wife died, Bill lived alone with his menagerie of animals until coming to the Veteran’s Home in King on August 21, 2015 where he lived at Ainsworth Hall. Bill enjoyed raising animals, gardening, camping, going to rodeos and auctions and tinkering with anything mechanical.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, his parents, a grandson, Clifford Emil Molin Jr. (11/21/73 – 3/14/74) and his wife.

He will have a Christian Military graveside service conducted by Chaplain Wayne Schwanke, on October 16th at 1:00 p.m. His and his wife’s cremains will be buried together in the cemetery at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, WI per his wishes.

The family wants to thank the staff at the Veterans Home for the wonderful care Bill received and also many thanks to Chaplain Wayne Schwanke for his support.

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