Donald Charles Mollet

Donald Charles Mollet, age 82 of Antigo, died on July 17, 2024, at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA after a brief stay at an assisted living community. Don, the first of 12 children, was born on October 7, 1941 in Green Bay to the late Harriet and Charles Mollet. He grew up in his granny's bakery and then in a house that he helped his father build. Following his graduation from Green Bay East High School in 1959, Don joined the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1963 after serving in Germany. Taking advantage of his benefits through the GI Bill, Don enrolled in college at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where he met Mary "Betty" Schmitz, his future wife. They were married on June 4, 1966 at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg, WI. After graduating from college, Don lived and taught high school business classes in Waupaca, WI before relocating with Betty to Eugene, OR, where he attended the University of Oregon, earning his Master of Science in 1972. After completing his master's degree, Don taught high school in Burns, OR, and had many adventures with his wife and friends, exploring much of the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The coupl...[more]

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hen relocated to Oakfield, WI, where they welcomed two children before settling in their new home in Antigo in 1976. They lived the remainder of their lives there as active participants in the service of their community. Don began his career as a business teacher. When he moved to Antigo, he changed course and became Langlade County's child support coordinator, which he continued until retirement. As a lifelong learner and a believer that one's educational journey should not be limited by age, Don went on to earn a degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and get credentialed as a Certified Management Accountant. Don was intelligent and meticulous, traits that were evident as he studied to reach this milestone. He was known for his sharp observations, seeing things from a unique perspective, and sharing his time generously in pursuit of learning. Don's curiosity and aptitude for learning translated into his personal activities as well. Throughout his adult life he loved being outdoors. He enjoyed cycling, jogging, cross-country skiing, and deer hunting with his friends, and was enlivened by experiencing the natural world around him. Don defined his life through the quality and thoughtfulness of his actions, not the expeditiousness of how he moved. He focused on the journey rather than the destination. His care for the natural world around him also extended to the tools he used in his exploration of it, exacting in his study of how a change to a particular firing pin or spring in a hunting rifle or how proper maintenance of his bike would keep it functioning precisely and accurately. The greatest of care, however, was reserved for his wife Mary (or Betty, as he and the family called her). He loved her with such quiet and loyal strength that it seems inevitable his spirit would follow her so soon after her passing in April of this year. His life was a mosaic painted with small moments of thoughtful beauty, and while a stroke and subsequent dementia ultimately stole many memories from him, his ability to care about the things and people that defined him never faded. Survivors include his daughter, Sarah (Matthew) Baranowski of Seattle; his son, Corey (Dorothy Rand) Mollet of St. Louis Park, MN; 5 grandchildren, Raelynn, Lilah, and Genevieve Baranowski of Seattle, and Espen and Freya Rand Mollet of St. Louis Park; and 7 siblings, Ellen Berns, Margaret Piantek, Jean McCormick, George Mollet, Kenneth Mollet, John Mollet, and Bernard Mollet, all of Wisconsin. He is also survived by a loving extended family of sisters- and brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary "Betty" Mollet; brothers, Rick Mollet and Milton Mollet (who died at birth); and sisters, Karen Bentz and Elizabeth Mollet. A memorial service will be held at Bradley Funeral Home in Antigo on Saturday, August 24 at 3 p.m. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.A gathering will be held following the service at a location to be announced at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's memory can be made to the Antigo Bike and Ski Club or to any organization promoting outdoor activities.