James Richard Molkenbur was born on April 4, 1943, in Crookston, Minnesota to Robert and Frances (Browne) Molkenbur. He moved to St. Paul as a toddler and remained there until his marriage to Sandra Achartz in 1969. The couple moved to Northfield in 1976 and there they raised their three daughters Catherine, Andrea, and Tami.
Jim was especially proud of his military service. He was a flight dispatcher in the Air Force, rising to the rank of Sergeant prior to being honorably discharged in 1967. His time in England and his varied travels provided material for many a story.
Jim was a twenty-nine year employee of Fairway Foods, until he was forced to retire due to Parkinson’s disease. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local 503 and a dedicated union man.
Jim actively participated in the Minnesota DFL at both the county and state levels. He served in various capacities on different committees and campaigns. He was fond of telling his daughters, “If you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain!”
Jim loved traveling, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren. He visited all 50 states and 43 state capitals, in addition to 12 countries. Photographs from his many trips are among the treasures he leaves behind.
His hobbies reflected his love of transportation. He was an avid model railroader and a member of both the Northfield Model Railroad Club and the Soo Line Historical Society. He collected model planes and airline schedules.
In Jim’s adult life, he battled many health issues including leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, and the congestive heart failure which took him from us. Even when he was at his sickest, he never failed to delight in being “Grandpa Jim” to Ellie, Annie, Mason, and Nora.
Jim’s story ended on Sunday evening, June 16, 2013, in Northfield, as the combination of his medical issues proved too great. Although gone from us now, he lives on in our hearts and memories.
Those left to treasure his memory include his wife Sandy; his daughters, Catherine Molkenbur-Newman (David) of Framingham, Massachusetts; Andrea (Bruce) Dibble of Solon, Iowa; and Tami Molkenbur of St. Paul; his beloved grandchildren, Ellie and Annie Newman, and Mason and Nora Dibble; his sister Mary of St. Paul, and his brother John (Donna) of Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents. A special thank you to the staff of Daisy Lane at Three Links for the kindness and care shown to him.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 10:30AM, Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield with Rev. John Quam officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. Visitation will be 4-7PM Monday, July 1, 2013, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to the funeral.
Memorials are preferred to the Three Links Care Center Bus Fund.
Arrangements are pending with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. www.northfieldfuneral.com