Vernon E. Mollan

Vernon Earle Mollan

Vern Mollan passed away at his home on April 21, 2021, surrounded by family and song. Born May 15,1930 in Duluth, Minnesota to Emil and Amanda (Stordahl) Mollan. Vern grew up in South Minneapolis, graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1948 and served in the Naval Reserves. In 1950 he was named Apprentice Of The Year by Dunwoody Industrial Institute. In his acceptance speech he said, “Always finish a job. The second half may be more important than the first.” Vern’s career grew from electrician (I.B.E.W.), to estimator, to project manager for several electrical firms. In 1951 he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Mitchell. They had three beautiful children and lived in Richfield for forty-six years. After retirement, they moved to the cottage on Green Lake. As the sun rose over the lake Vern would say, “Just another day in paradise.” They were longtime, active members of Hope Lutheran Church (Minneapolis) and Trinity Lutheran Church (Lindstrom). Vern lived a quiet life of faith and service. He sang in the church choir for sixty years. He touched countless lives by volunteering at church, on annual Habitat for Humanity trips to Mississippi and to build an orphanage in Mexico, and by his authentic presence in Twelve Step meetings. Vern used “elbow grease” and ingenuity to build enduring things that mattered. A true family man, he adored his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved adventure, international travel, road trips, experiencing new things— and downhill skiing! Vern savored the simple pleasures in life. A “sun bath” after lunch. Hot black coffee. A good book. And, he really loved pie! When asked his favorite kind he would smile and say, “The Next One!” He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Survived by his beloved wife of almost seventy years, Shirley “Sunshine”. Children, Lynn (Ben) of Colorado Springs, CO; Larry (Lori) of Menomonie, WI; Lee (Sharon) of Richfield, MN; eight beloved grandchildren—Patrick (Jenny), Meg (Mark), Justin, David, Christina (Tyler), Ellie (Zack), Nathan and Natalie; two great granddaughters—Fiona and Eve; sister Virginia Franke, Austin, TX. Preceded in death—by brother, Edward and sister Jean Sutherland.

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