Allan James Molzhon, 83

Allan James Molzhon, 83, passed away on Monday, Aug. 31, 2015, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

He was born on Oct. 4, 1931, in Wolf Point to Anton and Adella (McKinnon) Molzhon. In 1944, the family moved from eastern Montana to Pablo, where Allan attended school and later worked on the family farm near Round Butte.

He married the love of his life, Gladyce Zimmerman of Polson, on Dec. 20, 1952, in Missoula.

Allan served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1955, and spent time in Hawaii, Korea and Japan. Allan and Gladyce lived in California during his duty in the military, and later moved to Kalispell, where they made their home and raised their two children.  

Al, as he was fondly referred to by those who knew him well, was a devoted family man and worked at various jobs around the Kalispell area. At an early age, he learned how to work hard tending livestock and farming. That strong work ethic carried into his entire life. One of his more memorable jobs was working in a tie mill in the Stryker area. His love of the farm life drew him to employment at local dairies, such as Gregg’s Dairy in the late 1950s, then to Equity Supply Company for many years, and later Meadow Gold Dairies, where he retired in 1996. Al thoroughly enjoyed visiting with local dairy farmers on his truck route, as he hauled raw milk to the processing plant in the wee hours of the morning.

Hunting, fishing and camping were a big part of his life. Al and Gladyce enjoyed their retirement years camping in their fifth wheel around the Flathead Valley and Montana. Al was quite handy in his workshop, spending many hours during the winter months making wood furniture and toys for family and friends. One of the most easy-going people you would ever meet, Allan was fun-loving, enjoyed children, a good joke, and a cold beer.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Adella; sister, Mary Ashley; and wife, Gladyce, of 57 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Jeanne Sand, and husband, Ray, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his son, Norman Molzhon, and wife, Kim, of Columbia Falls; two grandchildren, MacKenzie Molzhon and Lee Molzhon; four sisters, Anella Martin (his twin) of Geraldine, Patricia Moline and husband Sonny of Lewistown, Joann Cleary of Florence, and Letha Molzhon of Ronan; three brothers, Laurence Molzhon and friend Nancy of Thompson Falls, George Molzhon and wife Toni, and Mike Molzhon and wife Donna, all of Ronan; sister-in-law, Joyce Potts, and husband, Les, of Bigfork; lifelong friend, Dorothy Drown; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., prior to the services. Interment will be at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery following the service.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Allan’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Allan’s guest book.