Valgene ‘Gene’ Molden

Valgene ‘Gene’ D. Molden, 83, of Benson, Minnesota, died Monday, December 21, 2020, at the Knute Nelson Home in Alexandria, Minnesota.  

Valgene Dale Molden was born May 2, 1937 in Swenoda Township, Swift County, Minnesota to Edward and Bertha (Schuerer) Molden.  He was baptized in the Lutheran faith and confirmed at the Big Bend Lutheran Church.  Valgene attended school at District 72 through eighth grade.

He was joined in marriage to Lillian Ann “Toots” (Hagen) March 10, 1962 and enjoyed 58 years of marriage.  Together they raised their six children in the Benson area.

Valgene worked for the Chevrolet dealership, Kleven Construction and Berens Construction of Benson before starting his own heavy construction, blading and plowing business, Molden Construction. He retired from his business in 2000.

His favorite past times were fishing with his family, raising cattle and giving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren rides on his golf cart.  

He is survived by his wife Lillian; children; Lori (David) Danielson of Correll, Tim (Kristin) Molden of Benson, Kathy Molden (Robert Lancaster) of Starbuck, Marianne (Jim) Grussing of Clontarf and Dale (Alisha) Molden of Danvers; brothers and sisters in law; Marlow Hagen of Boise, Idaho, Jerry (Pat) Hagen of Benson, Connie (Paul) Flaten of Swift Falls, Teresa (Paul) Johnson of Marana, Arizona, LoAnn Hagen of Benson, Sally (Vern) Bierbaum of Willmar, Pete (Paulette) Hagen of Willmar, Ronald (Pat) Hagen of Willmar, Lonnie (Sharon) Hagen of Benson, and Julie (Paul) Anderson of New London, 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Valgene was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ricky Dale Molden; brothers Darwin Molden and Donald Molden.
Per his wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date.