LaVerne H. “Monk” Molitor, 87, of Cloverleaf Lakes, town of Belle Plaine, passed away Friday morning, Sept. 18, 2015, at Evergreen Care Center in Shawano.
Monk was born on Oct. 23, 1927, in Aurora, Illinois, a son of the late Alfred and Ursula (Mosher) Molitor. He attended schools in Aurora, graduating from East Aurora High School in 1944. He then entered the United States Navy, where he served in the South Pacific during World War II.
Upon returning from the service, Monk returned to Aurora, where he was employed as a machinist at Seal Master Bearing. On May 22, 1948, he was united in marriage to the former Emma Cholte. Monk was called back to service during the Korean War and served his country once again for eight months. He returned to Emma in Aurora, where they started their family and lived until 1974. They then moved to Cloverleaf Lakes and purchased the Dock Tavern. During this time he worked in manufacturing at Phoenix Door in Shawano and Tradewinds in Manawa. His wife preceded him in death in June 1993.
Monk was brought up in the Catholic Church. His first love was fishing, but he also loved to shoot pool, go bowling, and in his younger years he played softball. In his later years he started playing the guitar and surprised his family with a private concert. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He also enjoyed watching the Badgers.
Monk is survived by his children, Mary (James) Fowler, of Montgomery, Illinois, Tina (Dale) Giese, of the town of Belle Plaine, Joel (Elizabeth) Molitor, of Aurora, Illinois, and Curt (Parian) Molitor, of Cloverleaf Lakes; seven grandchildren, April Giese, Jim (Gina) Giese, Paul Giese, Todd Giese, Ashley (Dean) Pearson, Kallie (Jackie) Molitor and Hannah Molitor; five great-grandchildren, Emma-Lee Lampinen, Hunter Lampinen, Rodney Lampinen Jr., Todd Giese Jr. and Gracie Giese; and several nieces.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Ursula (Sis) Schmidt, and two brothers, Melvin Molitor and Francis Molitor.
A time to remember and celebrate the life of Monk Molitor will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano. Full military honors will be conducted at the funeral home by Shawano AMVETS Post 10. Relatives and friends may call Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of services.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.
The family thanks the staff at Evergreen Care Center in Shawano and Heartland Hospice for the compassion and care Monk received during his stay.
