Wayne P. Molstad

Wayne P. Molstad, age 52 of Holmen and formerly of Westby, died Monday, January 19, 2009 . Wayne P. Molstad, age 52 of Holmen, Wisconsin, died Monday, January 19, 2009 as the result of ALS (Lou Gehrigss disease). He was born on April 7, 1956 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin to Lester T. and Mary Ann (Bina) Molstad. He graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree from Cardinal Stritch University, and a Masters in Professional Studies (focused on Agricultural Economics) from Cornell University. He served as an agriculture and rural development Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal (West Africa) from 1977 to 1984. On June 9, 1984, Wayne was united in marriage to Eleonore "Elli" Carter.Together they traveled to many parts of the world where Wayne was a Foreign Service Officer (Diplomat) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) for 23 years. After joining FAS he served as Agricultural Attach in Beijing, China (1990-92); Director of the Agricultural Trade Office in Guangzhou, China (1992-95); Agricultural Counselor in Warsaw, Poland (2001-2005) and Minister-Counselor for Agricultural Affairs in Ottawa, Canada (2007-2008). He has also worked at FAS in Washington, D.C. on trade policy, marketing, capacity building development, and administrative leadership. Upon returning to FAS Washington, D.C. from Warsaw, Mr. Molstad served as the Chief of Staff for the FAS Administrator (2005-06) and then as the Avian Influenza International Liaison for the Office of Science and Technological Affairs (2006-2007). His many awards include: many meritorious service awards from FAS, Cardinal Stritchs Award for Professional Distinction, and an award from FDA for extraordinary leadership in executing International outreach activities on the Public Health Security & Bioterrorism Preparedness & Response Act of 2002.Although Mr. Molstad was very active in his professional life, he also was a leader in his home and his community. He served as a Cub Scout Den Leader for his sons, a Cub Master, and a Scout Master. Following his diagnosis with ALS, Wayne and his family moved to Holmen to be closer to extended family. In addition to his wife, Elli, Wayne is survived by his two sons: Sean, a college student in Virginia, and Paul of Holmen; three brothers: James (Mary) of Westby, Dean (Barbara) of Sussex, and John (Debra) of Ontario; his sister-in-law, Jolene Molstad of LaFarge; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Garry, who also died from ALS in 2007 Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Onalaska United Methodist Church in Onalaska, Wis. Pastors Jenny Arneson and Hyun-Suk-Kim will officiate with burial in the Big Creek Cemetery, rural Sparta on Monday. Friends may call on Saturday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street, Hwy. 14 S. in Westby, Wis. and at the Church on Sunday after 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.