Marlyn "Molly" Lionel Wehlander

On December 18, 2014, in Fargo, North Dakota, Marlyn “Molly” Wehlander lost his second battle with cancer at the age of 89. Molly is survived by his wife, Betty; his brother, Oscar Wilfred (Marlene) Wehlander; his sisters-in-law, Jane Wehlander, Alice Wehlander, Vel Rae (Keith) Burkholder, and Margaret Myers; his brother-in-law, James (Ramona) Neeb and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his four children: Linda (Larry) Francis, Cheryl (Steve) Van Ee, Richard Wehlander, and Karen (Don) Dahlseng. Molly has nine grandchildren: Charles (Trista) Francis, Bryan Francis, Daniel (Amanda) Francis, Shawn Dahlseng, Joe (Tonya) Van Ee, Katie (Eddie) Hruska, Megan (Ben) Hilgers, Ryan Wehlander, and Elizabeth Wehlander. Molly is also blessed to have ten great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers, Erling, Vernen, and Roger just this year; his sister-in-law, Connie; and brothers-in-law, John Neeb and Frank Myers.

Molly was born in rural DeLamere, North Dakota, on March 9, 1925 to Oscar W. and Eleanor Wehlander. Molly was the second of five boys. At the outset of WWII, Molly enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He received pilot training at Texas A&M and attended Concordia College. Of particular note, Molly and his flight crew were the alternates to the Enola Gay. While willing to complete the mission, Molly breathed a sigh of relief that that particular mission never was his responsibility.

After the war, Molly moved to Fargo, North Dakota. Molly met his one true love, Betty Jane, and married her June 20, 1948 at Olivet Lutheran Church. Over the years, Molly and Betty would have four children, and their marriage would span 66 years. Molly was also a faithful and active member at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo. Oftentimes, Molly was called upon to help serve communion or take up the offering.

It was in Fargo that Molly would also begin his forty-year career with the General Trading Company. While Molly became the General Manager of the Fargo store, he maintained other passions as well. Molly was an avid golfer, and, over the years, he taught his family a love of the game. Molly also supported local high schools where many of his grandchildren were attending. Of course, it was these same people who witnessed his hole-in-one. Aside from sports, Molly had a dear love for singing and music. In particular, Molly sang in barbershop quartets with his brothers and friends. Later, he enjoyed listening to LPs and cassettes of his favorite tunes.

After retirement, Molly caught the travel bug and took several trips with Betty. Mexico City, Florida, and Hawaii were all destinations they enjoyed, in addition to their annual vacations to Texas. Molly also traveled to attend the tri-annual Wehlander Family reunions.

Molly always lived life on his terms, the greatest being his love of family and friends, his unwavering strength of spirit, and his duty to his Country. Every time you visited Molly, he greeted you with a cheerful smile and a handshake. He had a keen memory and caring interest in everyone else’s activities. He never failed to ask you, with genuine concern, “How are you doing?”

Son, Brother, Veteran, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather: He is remembered as a wise, honest, and hardworking man and an active spirit who loved all and was loved by all until the end. We love you; we miss you; we will see you again.

The family wishes to give their sincere thanks to Hospice of Fargo, Edgewood Vista staff, and Brenda Bauer, the parish nurse, for their care and kindness to Molly and his family during his last few months with us.