Michael "Mike" Molstead

Michael Robert "Mike" Molstead, 63, of Charles City, Iowa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, after a courageous 24-year battle with lung cancer. True to his nature, he never allowed the disease to define him. Instead, he faced each day with grit, humor, and an unshakable will to defy the odds and live life to the fullest. Mike was born October 29, 1961, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Robert (Bob) and Ruth Molstead. Growing up in Waterloo, he built the foundation of his strong work ethic delivering newspapers across town, tugging a red wagon loaded with heavy Sunday editions. A gifted athlete, Mike graduated from Reinbeck High School in 1980 and went on to Ellsworth Community College, where he played both baseball and football before stepping on as a place kicker for the University of Northern Iowa. To those who competed against him, Mike was unforgettable-whether he was blasting golf drives over 300 yards or shutting down opponents in the hockey net as "Moley the Goalie." In the mold of Bo Jackson, Mike was a true multi-sport competitor who thrived on challenge. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Paula Schroder. From the moment they met, Mike and Paula were inseparable, and on August 7, 1982, they married-beginning a partnership that would become the bedrock of his life. Though Mike once pursued a dream of professional football, even receiving an NFL training camp invitation and signing briefly with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL, a devastating knee injury redirected his path. He channeled his competitive fire into the automotive industry, starting in sales and management before making a bold leap in 1995-purchasing two small dealerships in Charles City. What began with 14 employees grew into Mike Molstead Motors, now employing over 80 and becoming one of the preeminent businesses in the region. For nearly three decades, Mike poured his heart into not just building a business, but strengthening an entire community. He was rewarded in 2021 with national recognition as one of just five finalists for the TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year award. Beyond his public role, Mike's proudest legacy was his family. Together with Paula, he raised five children-Jordan (Brittni), Josh (Cala), Jared (Kelly), Julia (Isaiah), and Jack (Chelsea)-and became "Papa" to 14 grandchildren: Jaeda, Kobie, and Tate; Camryn, Kenzie, Liam, and Harper; Finley, Bear, Cedar, Cove, Tallulah, and Poet; and Maverick. His competitive streak carried into family life, from feared pickleball matches to raucous "bed match" royal rumbles with the grandkids. He loved sharing his faith; cheering on the Packers, Cubs, and Blackhawks; traveling; golfing with his sons; watching westerns and romantic comedies-both of which could bring him to tears; and savoring shrimp scampi over angel hair pasta. More than anything, he cherished his wife, Paula, who dedicated her life to standing by his side through 24 years of his cancer battle, and their treasured mornings together over coffee and conversation, where he shared his warmth, humor, and endless wisdom with those fortunate enough to be in his company. Mike's faith anchored him through every stage of his life. Guided by Galatians 6:9-"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"-he lived with generosity and conviction. He invested deeply in Charles City schools, athletics, and countless community initiatives, serving on the First Citizens Bank board and giving back at every opportunity. Mike is survived by his wife of 43 years, Paula; his children and grandchildren; his mother, Ruth (Ronald) Yuska; and his sisters: Kim (Tom) Brunscheon and Barbara Molstead. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Molstead. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mike's honor to plant trees at the private family plot through Otto's Oasis in Charles City, or to the Charles City Booster Club to support future athletic initiatives https://www.charlescitycometboosterclub.com/in-memory-of-mike-molstead A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Mike Molstead Motors in Charles City. All who knew and loved Mike are welcome to attend. Following the service, they welcome all to join them in honoring Mike's memory and sharing stories together. Those who knew Mike know he often signed off with the same simple words-an encouragement, a blessing, a piece of himself he wanted to leave behind. It feels only right to end here with them: "Be blessed. Mo."