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BORN
1970
DIED
2011
Michael Molzahn Obituary
5/30/1970- 7/3/2011
Mike passed away in a tragic accident on the Columbia River, near Vancouver, Washington. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kim (Buckert) Molzan, his son Mitchell (17), daughter Kennedy (13), father, Richard Molzahn of Auburn, Calif., mother, Annelies Master of Colfax, Calif., sisters, Cindy Huisking (Molzahn) of Penryn, Calif, and Kacie Molzahn of Auburn, Calif. He also leaves behind his grandmother, Emalyne Molzahn of Garden Grove, Calif., stepmother, Lorena Molzahn of Auburn, mother- in-law, Susie Buckert, of Vancouver, Wash., and brother-in-law, Mick Huisking of Penryn, Calif. In addition he leaves two aunts and three cousins in Orange County, Calif.
Mike moved to Colfax, Calif., with his family in 1978, attended Placer Hills Elementary School and Weimar Jr. High. After graduating from Colfax High School in 1988, he joined the California National Guard. Before being activated for a six month tour of duty to the Persian Gulf War in 1990, he married Kim Burkert, his high school sweetheart. He then attended the Police Academy at Butte College in Chico. Upon graduation, he was hired as a Polic Officer for the City of Auburn, Calif. In 1995, the family relocated to Vancouver, Wash., and moved to Battle Ground, Wash., in 1997. He started as a Battle Ground Police Officer Reserve, and was hired as a full time Officer in 2000. In addition to being an officer, he was a detective for four years, and then served the last several years as a motor officer on a Harley Davidson until his death.
Mike was active in his community and had a deep love for his family. He loved his kids and participated in whatever sports or activities they were involved in. Mike leaves a large void in the hearts of those who knew him. His family is proud to say that Mike was an organ donor. Mike will be cremated and his spirit will forever be at peace in the grace of God's love.
Memorial Services will be on Saturday July 9, 2011 at 11a.m. at Brush Prairie Baptist Church, 11814 NE 117th Ave, Vancouver, WA., 98662. There will be a Motorcade from Vancouver to Layne's Funeral Home in Battle Ground, beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Friday July 8, 2011 to reach Battle Ground about 11a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North County Food Bank, P.O. Box 2106, Battle Ground, WA. 98604.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Molzahn
Gynene Lane
July 1, 2025
I still think of him and how he patrolled our neighborhood to keep it safe. He became our neighborhood watch guy.. thanks Mike.
Gynene Lane
July 1, 2023
Mike was a fixture of Battle Ground. He was a friend and a wonderful police officer. Miss him.
Gynene Lane
July 1, 2022
Thinking of Mike today. He was such an awesome police officer to our town. I can still remember the shock and disbelief everyone felt. Such a loss to his family. Hugs to everyone that was a friend of his. Miss you.
Audrey Huisking
July 1, 2022
I know Cindy, what a loss your beloved Brother was and still is! Our Lord is always with you! I Love You! God Bless!
Susie Buckert
July 4, 2021
Think of you often, hard to believe its been 10 years since you left us.
Betty Beale
July 1, 2021
I still think of Michael often and with heart. He was a wonderful, loving person. His passing was a major loss to all who knew and loved him.
Gynene Lane
July 1, 2021
I think of what a wonderful officer and friend you were to many. That smile, and knowing how much you loved your family, I´ll never forget. I know you are keeping heaven safe. Hugs.
Susie Ray Buckert
July 2, 2020
I think of you so often and remember all the memories through the years beginning the first time you took Kim to the movies.
Thank you for being the son I never had.
Gynene Lane
July 1, 2020
I was just speaking of you the other day! What a fine example of community policing and friend to many. A big hole was left the day you departed this earth. I hope you know how much you are loved! Miss you.
Gynene
Megan Benavides
July 2, 2019
I cant believe how long its been. We miss you so much Mike. We talk of you often. This time of year always makes me uneasy. I still remember what I was doing when I got the call. Your kids are so beautiful! You would be so proud! Heaven is so lucky it has so many of my loved ones up there. I hope your looking down smiling. We miss you Mike!
Gynene Lsne
July 1, 2019
I think of Mike often and miss his smile. A very sad day for his family and friends. Rest In Peace friend.
Saya Benitez
July 31, 2011
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss and for all of us as a community to lose this wonderful hero. Prayers will be with you and your loved ones. He had such a sweet and joyful spirit about him. I will miss seeing him drop in at the high school.
Heidi Wallenborn
July 31, 2011
Mike Molzahn was an exceptional police officer, dad, and friend. His death leaves a huge hole in my heart. Over the course of this last month since he died, I find memories rolling through my head like a movie reel. One of them is the "crosswalk sting" when he put on his casual shirt and shorts, and walked across Main Street near Andersen's Dairy to enforce pedestrian/driver awareness. Grinning the whole way, he sauntered across the street and back for an hour. One would never know he was nervous about getting run over, as he told me. This and so many moments in time stick in my head. What a great friend. I'll forever miss you, Mike. You were a man among men.
Amber S
July 27, 2011
I feel that God blessed me by allowing a negative situation turn into a positive situation when Officer Mike answered my 911 call. That day God sent more than a cop to my door, he sent an angel! I am selfish and wish we could continue to see him on his bike protecting our lil town, but I know he is in heaven and he is fighting the good fight for all of us. That makes me smile and I can see Officer Mike smiling back:) I will continue to pray for peace for his wife he adores and his children that he cherish's
Sgt. Carl Mullen
July 21, 2011
To Mike,
My special friend, I will miss you forever. I'm so sad that you had to leave us. But I will forever be grateful for having had you in my life. Together we faced some hard times and some good times. Together we shared pain and joy. You were and always will be one of the great people in my life. I worked with and knew quite a few cops in my day. You were one of the best, much better than most.
God be with you and your family.
Sgt. Carl Mullen Ret.
Battle Ground Police Dept.
Lynn MacDonald
July 19, 2011
Mike will be remembered as a special person. He was dedicated to what he loved and I am glad I knew him as my son's friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
Marie Barry
July 16, 2011
Kim, Mitchell & Kennedy: I am so sorry for your loss. Kim and Mike went to high school with me and I knew Mike since I was about 8. His warm smile and tender heart will always be with us. He will be missed.
Terry and Sally
July 13, 2011
We sure were sad to hear the tragic news. We sure will miss Mike in our neighborhood. It sure is TOO quiet without him going by on his Harley or in his green chevy...with his sunglasses on and a BIG SMILE on his face!!! My little kids would go running to the window when they would hear the Harley and my two year old would holler mmmoooo---tttoorr---ccyyy--clleee!!!!! May God give the family strength through these days and the days ahead!!
Nicole Hoffman
July 11, 2011
Kim, Mitchell and Kennedy,
We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of Mike.I meet Kim and Mike when Mitchell and Kennedy were just little kids.Kim and I worked together at Old Navy. The kids went to preschool with our son Blake and he just loved it when Mike would come in to pick them up.Mike will be deeply missed. Please know that you and your family our in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith and Nicole
July 11, 2011
To the Molzahn Family: Mike was a great guy I always enjoyed being around him when he was with the Auburn PD. My thought and prayers are with you.
Mike Morello
Deana & Kevin Morse
July 11, 2011
Kim, Mitchell, & Kennedy, we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Mike's smiling face at Starbucks, and here at Elite, where he would stop to warm up in the winter months or stop to refill his water bottle on the hot summer days. We feel blessed to have known him. It doesn't surprise us that Mike was an organ donor, he will continue to serve, even now, after he is gone. We will keep your family in our prayers. Take Care.
Carlene Bowen
July 10, 2011
Kim, Mitchell and Kennedy I am at a loss for comforting words, I didn't know Mike very well but the few times I did talk to him I felt an instant warmth rediate from him. You were all here at my home for the memorial for your Aunt Pat and then he played cards at your mom's home one night when we were short a person. He had such an infectious smile and twinkle in his eye you couldn't help but feel he was a friend, You children can know that he loved you and you can be proud that he was so loved and respected. When ever I saw him and you his family I always felt the you were the nicest family to be around. I think you can feel rest assured that where ever he is that he is riding high on his Harley with that big infectious smile, God's blessings and peace be with all of you and the rest of the Molzahn family.
Kea (Schaefer) Charmak
July 10, 2011
Kim, Mitchell, and Kennedy I am sad to hear the news that Mike passed away.
My families holds you in our thoughts and prayers.
May the love, light and grace of God be yours.
July 10, 2011
Kim & family ~ I'm saddened by the news that Mike has passed away. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
~Michelle Craddock
Holly Tucker
July 10, 2011
Mike, I wish you could have known the impact you made on me and everyone around you. You were one of a kind and treated everyone with the utmost respect. My thoughts are with you and your family. You will be missed.
Dawn Wielenbeck
July 9, 2011
Mike our family will miss your sparkling smile. you were such an amazing person, so willing to help anyone at anytime. This community will not be the same without you.
Lynn Vaughn
July 9, 2011
Kim, Mitchell and Kennedy,
Each of you will always have wonderful memories of Mike and those memories will last a lifetime. Mike touched many lives simply by being himself. You each should be proud of him and know he is still with each of you now and will be forever.
It was my extreme honor to lead the Patriot Guard Riders men and women yesterday and today during your services. We each thank you for allowing us to be with you and honor this well deserving hero of life.
Mitchell-anytime you want to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders, let me know and we will make it a reality for you.
God bless each of you and know we are here always !
Kevin & Jana O'Grady
July 9, 2011
Mike you will be missed ! We will miss seeing you on duty riding your Harley,And will miss your smile !
Its a tragic loss to the Molzahn family and this community !
Our deepest sympathy & prayers to the Molzahn family may God help you to fine peace with the loss of your husband and father... god bless
holly
July 9, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. God Bless you and your family. Persevere, don’t let go of the memories, and know you have a community behind you.
July 9, 2011
Kim, my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Barb, Jen's aunt
July 9, 2011
Kim, I have such fond memories of the visits Mike and Mitchell made made to Walter and myself.
With condolences, Evelyn, Jen's grandmother
July 9, 2011
To the Molzahn family, so sorry to hear of this loss. Our hearts, thoughts & prayers go out to you.
The Haugs. Shawna, T.J. Hayden, Sean & Abby
Todd Shrull
July 9, 2011
My condolences, my thoughts and prayers to the Molzahn family. Mike was one of a kind, who's loss has profoundly impacted those of us who knew him. We will miss him terribly. It was a great pleasure to have worked with him.
July 8, 2011
Richard & family, We are so sorry for your loss. We met you Richard at the support group while our sons were serving in the Gulf during Desert Storm. May knowing so many care be of encouragement during this difficult time. God bless. Mark & Iney Fowler & family, Auburn, CA
Gynene Lane
July 8, 2011
Our condolences to the Molzahan family. Mike was like a family member to many of us, he was such a kind, genuine, sweet person. The city of Battle Ground has lost a great policeman who truly had a love for people, and his family. I will always miss his smiling face.
July 8, 2011
Dear Richard, Lorena, Kacie and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May your memories with Michael comfort you.
M Knapp
Dorcas Reilly
July 8, 2011
Having had the pleasure of working with Mike at APD, I am extremely saddened by the news of his passing ... a tragedy indeed. He was a valiant officer and a wonderful man, husband, father, friend ... rest in peace Mike. God's grace to his family.
Gynene Lane
July 8, 2011
Molzahn Family: My condolences to all of you, no words can express how sorry we are. Mike was a friend to many, many people in Battle Ground. So many of us have stories to share about this kind, sweet person. He was someone who made you feel like he truly cared, and asked questions about you. I told him I could adopt him as another child! He loved his family with all his heart. I will forever miss his smile, and the twinkle in his eyes. Thank you Mike for your friendship. Jim and Gynene Lane
July 8, 2011
So sad, I didnt know Michael, but did know Cindy, mother and father. I feel very sad for them and the rest. The hurt will ease with time and love from all.
Larry Gaines 360-320-0288
Paige Abu-Nawwas
July 8, 2011
In the short amount of time we came to know Mike this is what we learned of him. He was kind, always smiled at us. We would run into him at the gym, at the Starbucks and finally we began visiting with him and we began to know a little more each time we sat for Coffee. I know he was ready for a change in his life, he started school. We were exited to hear about his ambitions to run for City Manager. We watched him take coffee to a couple that have been homeless here in our little community. He cared about people, he was approachable. We will miss our new friend. I pray for the family and can not imagine the pain they feel. I was touched by the motorcade this morning and was wishing he was here to see the love of the community.
July 8, 2011
Kim, Mitchell and Kennedy...
Telling you Mike was a wonderful man is something you already know and will keep in your hearts forever. He was always there for all of us and my family thanks you, from the bottom of our hearts, for sharing him with us. We will miss him dearly, will hold on to the many, many happy memories he gave us and we wish each of you much love during this difficult time. We will always be here for you.
Christi(grandma), Raechelle (Mom) & Tyler Bergeron
Karen Clay
July 8, 2011
Shocked and sadden by the loss of Michael. May he rest in peace.
Vicki Carter
July 8, 2011
Mitchell and Family, I am so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara Koski
July 8, 2011
I'm so very sorry to hear about Mike. You are all in my prayers, he was taken way too soon.
Alex Reinhold
July 8, 2011
Mike,
You will be missed, you were a great asset to the police dep't but also a great friend.
Nancy Sroka
July 8, 2011
Kimmy, Mitchell, Kennedy, Susie: Words cannot express my condolences on your tragic loss. May God give you peace during these difficult times.
R.I.P Mike you will be missed God Bless , Prayers go out to your Family
Orville, Sandy, and Jerico Kiser
July 7, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. As you go through this chapter of your lives please know that all our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kennedy please remember that the taquitos and salsa are always here along with the yahtzee game and so are we if you need anything. Love you baby.
July 7, 2011
To Mike's family,
I am so saddened with your lose. Mike was the greatest guy. He was always so happy & smiling. Battle ground is not the same..
my deepest sympathy & prayers to his family...
Anna Rider (Catania & Co.)
Teresa Leininger
July 7, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I will miss Mike and his smiles that we saw weekly in our branch for so many years. He was always so positive even when he had days that were perfect. Mike was not only a member of mine but a dear friend.I will miss looking for Mike on duty on his Harley. My heart goes out to you Kim and your children.
bobbi thacker
July 7, 2011
what an amazing man!!!he helped my family so much and gave me an ear whenever we had the chance to chat for a minute. mike always listened more intently than anyone i've ever known and he had the most sincere smile. even when he had his helmet on and you couldn't see his face you could always see his smile in his eyes. he was a real blessing to so many in this community. he meant so much to so many that weren't even close to him and i can just imagine how much such a man meant to his family and close friends. my condolances to those who knew him well, my prayers are with you.
Mari Kae Mullen
July 7, 2011
Our dear sweet Michael and his very lovely family,
I met you because you were working with my husband, Sgt. Carl Mullen. You and I instantly hit it off, then we found we were both of German heritage. We both laughed and I will never forget how it freaked you out when you met our daughter. I said what is wrong with you, and you smiled that beautiful smile and said "this is really weird, she could be my sister." Then when I said her name was Kim you said it was getting really weird, because your wife's name was Kim. From that moment you were like one of our family.
You and my husband were really close. And when you walked into our home it was like a family member came to visit. Oh how you loved to stop by and have lunch, sometimes even dinner. You love my German cooking that I did "my way."
You loved to share how much love and pride you felt for your wife, and how you loved your children and were determined to be the best dad forever to them.
When troubles came your way you knew you could always come and talk for as long as you needed. You knew my husband faced some of the same problems and you knew you could count on him for wisdom and understanding.
Michael, you will be missed forever. I feel like I lost a son. The selfish in me would like to keep you forever. But I know you are in a better place and your are flying forever free.
We will not attend your funeral because we could not bear to see your wife and children sitting there with you not by their side.
I will always remember the last time you walked out our door and the love we all shared always and forever lasting.
As far as the police department and community goes, they have lost one of their best officers. That is just who you were, the best at everything.
You will be forever loved and missed, but I know you are free to fly like the angel we knew you to be.
Our prayers, blessings and love goes to your wife and family.
Mary Kellum
July 7, 2011
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family
Ann Taylor Field HR Team
July 7, 2011
Our condolences to the Molzahn family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim & Jan Huisking
July 7, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you as you adjust to this great loss. May God comfort and sustain you through your greiving.
Remi Fairhurst
July 7, 2011
I am at a loss for words; Mike was a fantastic individual in so many aspects. I am so very honored to have had the privilege of serving in uniform with him as a Battle Ground Police Officer. My deepest sympathy and prayers for his family, friends and community. Your bright smile & incredibly cheery attitude will be missed!
Remi Fairhurst (Camas, WA)
Kimberly Rivera
July 7, 2011
To Mike's family & close friends,
We knew Mike professionally at Blue Castle Coffee..we always looked forward to seeing him come in...he always lit up our day and well, you know how great he was so we don't need to tell you....we will miss him very much.
The staff at Blue Castle Coffee
July 7, 2011
Kim,Mitchell,Kennedy,and family,
I will surly miss Mike,his smile,and his calming manner.The times we would go shooting,and all the fishing adventures.I wish you all the best always. What a great loss. I miss him already so much.
Tommy Beale Auburn, Ca
July 7, 2011
We last saw Mike on Mother's Day this year, we had a lovely Picnic at a local Winery, such a Great Guy! Our Love & Prayers for Kim, Mitchel,Kennedy, Cindy, Analis,Dick and the whole Family. We will miss him! Love & God Bless! Audrey & Mike Huisking Sr.
Theresa (Smith) Nilsson
July 7, 2011
When I think of the Mike I met so many years ago, what I remember most is his smile. My condolences to his family and his community. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paula Raya
July 7, 2011
As a crossing guard I got to meet Mike and watch him work the school zones. What a fine job he did! There was either a wave or a thumbs up. He was always there for us and he will definitely be missed by all. To his family, we are so sorry for your loss may God give you strength and peace.
Susie Ray Buckert
July 7, 2011
I've known Mike since he was in the 3rd grade and remember so vividly when he came to our home in the 5th grade to take Kim on a "Movie Date".
You were more a son to us than just a son-in-law. It will be difficult to not hear your voice and see you. Esp. our little get togethers for Chipped Beef on Toast.
Love you son,
Mom
Christy Labanowitz
July 7, 2011
Kim, Mitchell, Kennedy & the Molzahn family,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of Mike. Kim and kids you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Cathleen Vehrs
July 7, 2011
Although I didn't know Mike. I know his sister Cindy. I'd like to send my thoughts and prayers to the family. I'm so sorry for your loss ~ God Bless
July 7, 2011
To Mike's family, this feels like losing one of my own. I will miss his gentle and gentlemanly ways. Each thought of him will bring a smile. My love and prayers to you all.
Betty Beale, Auburn, CA
July 7, 2011
Our dear sweet Michael and his very lovely family,
I met you because you were working with my husband, Sgt. Carl Mullen. You and we instantly hit it off when we found we were both of German heritage. We laughed and I will never forget how it freaked you out when you met our daughter. I asked what was wrong and you smiled that beautiful smile and said "this is really weird, she could be my sister." Then when I told you her name was Kim you really freaked and said that your wife's name is Kim. It seemed as though from that moment you were a part of our family. Every time you walked into out home it was as though a family member had come to visit.
You and my husband were really close. How you loved to stop by and have lunch and sometimes even dinner. You loved my German cooking, which I always did "my way".
You often shared how much love and pride you felt for you wife. Oh how much you loved your children. You were determined to be the best dad "forever" to them.
When trouble did come your way you knew you could come by and talk for as long as needed. You knew my husband faced some the same problems, and you knew you could count on him for wisdom and understanding.
Michael, you will be missed forever. I feel I lost a son. The selfish in me would want to keep you for ever, but I know you are in a better place and you are flying forever free.
We will not be attending your funeral. It will be to hard to see your wife and children setting there with you not at their side. I will remember the last time you walked out our door and the love we all shared, always and for ever lasting.
As for the police department and our community, they lost one of their best officers. That is just who you were, best at everything.
You will be forever loved and missed, but now you are free to fly like the angel we knew you to be.
Prayers, Blessings and love to your wife and family.
Mari Kae Mullen
Linda Saunders
July 7, 2011
When I think of Mike I have so many memories working with him at BGPD, he will be greatly missed. My condolences to Kim, Mitchell, Kennedy and all the family members, my thoughts and prayers are with you. The PD has lost a fine officer.
Linda Saunders
Lisa
July 7, 2011
Kennedy and Mitchell, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Know that the community is here to lift you up and support you during this time. I will miss you dad and his friendship. He was one of the good guys
July 7, 2011
We miss you so much Mike! My prayers and thoughts are with your family and friends. I thank god everyday that he gave me the opportunity to get to know you and your family.
~Megan.B~
Kevin Weeks
July 7, 2011
To the Molzahn family we are sorry for your loss. Know that you and your dad are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember that your community is here for you if you need us just let us know. Kevin Weeks and Family
Adrian Cortes
July 7, 2011
To Mike: May you Rest in Peace. I will miss waiving to you on your motorcycle and chatting with you at Starbucks;you will be missed. To the Molzahn family: Words cannot express my condolences on your tragic loss. May God give you peace during these difficult times.
Tanya Ray Mehalko
July 7, 2011
Kimmy, Mitchell, Kennedy, Aunt Susie: Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mike's family, friends, colleagues, and the community he proudly served.
John 14:1-4
Jr & Gretchen Roberts
July 7, 2011
Kim, Kennedy, and Mitchell, We had the privilege of getting to know you at Cherry Grove Friends. Jr had the privilege of continuing that friendship with Mike. We are sorry for your loss and the loss to all of his family, friends, and community. We will continue to pray for peace.
Jim Bergren
July 7, 2011
To the family and all friends: The grace and peace of God our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, bring strength, peace and comfort to your hearts in the days to come.
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