Obituary: Rev. Dr. Mark J. Molldrem, age 71

by Jim Dittmann
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Rev. Dr. Mark J. Molldrem, age 71 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Friday, September 28, 2018.

Mark was born on July 22, 1947 in Chicago, IL, the son of Ariel Robert and Esther Luella (Grindland) Molldrem. He attended Parker Elementary School in Beloit and graduated from Moorhead Senior High School and Concordia College, both in Moorhead, MN. Heattended Lutheran Bible Institute (1965-1968), where he met Shirley. He earned his master’s degree in divinity at Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, later returning to earn his doctorate of ministries.

Mark was united in marriage to Shirley Bennett on August 29, 1969 in Moorhead, MN and their union was blessed with two children, Jeff and Jennifer. Mark served as a pastor for nearly 39 years at six churches in four parishes, including Peace Lutheran Church in Cobb, WI, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Edmund, WI, First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam, WI, Central Lutheran Church in Mondovi, WI, Modena Lutheran Church in Mondovi, WI, and Resurrection Lutheran Church in Saginaw, MI. After returning to First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam for his final nine years in ministry, Mark retired in 2013.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Mark was very active in the community. He was instrumental in establishing a shelter for PAVE in the early 1980s, belonged to the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce, was an active member of Downtown Beaver Dam, Inc., participated in Beaver Dam Tell-a-Tale Theater and helped develop Leadership Beaver Dam. He was a supporter of Church Health Services, where he also donated his time and talents to handcraft a stained glass window in their chapel, one of his favorite hobbies. Mark made several mission trips to Liberia in West Africa with Friendship International.

As an avid writer, Mark enjoyed writing numerous articles for magazines and journals, sermon guides, had two books published:“Victory of Faith” and “Random Acts of Writing, as well as writing and recording a daily message for ‘Joy in the Morning’ with Good Karma Broadcasting. His free time was spent meticulously maintaining his yard, earning a fourth degree black belt in taekwondo and spending as much time with his family as possible, which included taking a Disney cruise with his wife, children and grandchildren for their anniversary.

Mark is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Shirley Molldrem of Beaver Dam; son, Jeff (Kristin) Molldrem of West Allis and Jennifer (Sean) Fredrick of Bolingbrook, IL; grandchildren, Madison Fredrick, Colin Fredrick and Andy Molldrem; brothers, Robert (Gloria) Molldrem of Prior Lake, MN and Nathan (Nancy) Molldrem of Eau Claire; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Myrtle Sellie, and other relatives.

A memorial gathering for Mark will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. A memorial gathering will also be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at First Ev. Lutheran Church, 311 W. Mackie St., Beaver Dam from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with Revs. Robert Moberg, Cherie Forret and John Matthews officiating. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be served at church.

If desired, memorials in Mark’s name may be directed to Hillside Hospice for the future Hospice Home.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com