Dennis Lee Molzahn

Dennis Lee Molzahn was born in Phillipsburg, Kansas on January 24, 1951 and died Feb. 28, 2015 after a valiant fight with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He attended schools in Norcatur, Kansas graduating in May 1970. While he was a junior in high school, he met Linda Harper and therein began a lifelong partnership. They went “steady” while they were juniors and became engaged when they were seniors. Three weeks after they both graduated they married on June 6, 1970 in Norton, Kansas. Denny, as he was known by his family and friends, began working at Gifford Hill in Colby, Kansas and worked there three months until he accepted a job with Hallmark Cards. He and Linda moved to Edgerton, Kansas where he worked for Hallmark for 39 years until his retirement in 2009. During his time with Hallmark, Denny started as a janitor and worked in many other departments retiring from the maintenance shop. Dennis went back to college after 20 years of being out of school and earned his Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering from Maplewoods Community College. He and Linda had three children which grew to 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren with and 3rd great grandchild coming this month. Additionally, Denny and Linda parented other children. Their niece Cheri Harper lived with them for a year becoming yet another family member. Their son Barry’s friend Robbie Benedict spent the night which turned into 3 nights which expanded into one year. During that year, Robbie became Denny and Linda’s 3rd son. Barry and Robbie joined the US Marines and served together. Denny modeled that service to America by serving in the National Guard for 10 years. Denny loved his family dearly so it made sense that during his retirement years he would act again as a caregiver caring for Chance, his first great grandson while Chance’s mom finished high school. Denny was a Christian man, born again, and he knew his Savior. He was a hunter, fisherman, and an outdoorsman taking his sons hunting for turkey and deer each opening season and more often if they could go. He was a sports enthusiast especially rooting for his favorite team “Missou” Tigers focusing on their football and basketball performances. Denny touched many lives both within his family and with friends. Anyone who knew him loved him deeply and we will miss him tremendously. Cremation is planned with a Celebration of Life Ceremony to be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday evening, March 5, 2015 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)