Frederick “Fred” Peter Moldan, age 65, of rural Sleepy Eye, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024, at the Hennepin County Medical Center, with family at his side.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 12 pm on Monday, November 4, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye with Father Nathan Hansen celebrating the Mass. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.
Visitation will be held from 1-4 pm on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm. The visitation will continue from 10-11 am on Monday, November 4th again at the funeral home in New Ulm.
Fred is survived by his wife of 39 years, LuAnn (Helget) Moldan and their 7 children, who were the pride and joy of his life; Jeff (Rachel) Moldan, Marcy (Dave) Nesje, Dain Moldan, Lisa (Nate Frederickson) Moldan, Lori (Tyler) Zollner, Molly Moldan and Marisa (Cody) Hledik. He was a proud grandpa to 14 wonderful grandchildren; Emily, Joshua and Daniel Moldan, Samantha and Graceyn Nesje, Drayden Moldan, Adrian and Isla Frederickson, Kyzer, Adler and Riker Zollner and Gavin, Zander and Damon Hledik. He was the oldest of eight siblings, survived by Teresa (Kenny) Berg, Andy (Sue) Moldan, Albert Moldan, Loretta Gerasch, Ben (Kathy) Moldan, George (Laurie) Moldan and Rob (Cindy) Moldan. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Artie (Annie) Helget, sisters-in-law, Lorraine (Leon) Tauer, Arlis (Rollie) Forstner, and Ardelle Domeier, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and close family friends.
Fred was born August 13, 1959, in New Ulm, to Joe and Dodie (Joan Depuydt) Moldan. He grew up on the family farm in rural Searles where farming and a strong work ethic were instilled in him at a young age. Fred started milking cows at the age of 9 and enjoyed doing so with both his siblings and children for over 56 years. Fred met LuAnn at a dance at the Orchid Inn in Sleepy Eye; from that moment Fred knew his “hunt” was over. They were united in marriage on April 13, 1985, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. Together, they built their life in rural Sleepy Eye, continuing both families’ farming traditions.
Fred had a passion for music and was honored to play alongside his children for over 25 years in the family polka band, Dain’s Dutchman. He was known for his warm smile and the twinkle in his eye, which were especially noticeable when playing his tuba or dancing to his favorite tunes. He could even often be found waltzing away in the barn, where he taught several of his kids to dance. When Fred wasn’t working, he could be found at the events, ball games, and concerts of his kids and grandkids. He took special care to make sure he attended every event he could. Fred also enjoyed working with his hands, building and remodeling as much as he could for his family.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arthur Sr. and Louisa (Rothmeier) Helget, infant twin daughters, his brother-in-law, Paul Gerasch, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, LaVerne “Satch” and Janet Helget and Leon and LaDonna Helget and brother-in-law, Vincent Domeier.
To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org