Timothy Molko

Timothy Alan Molko, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was called home into the embrace of God on November 11, 2024, at age 70. He died at home, after a steadfast fight against pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his wife and two sons.

Tim was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, on November 25th, 1953, to Edward and Delores (Weiss) Molko. He was raised in a farming family and carried that strong work ethic with him through his entire life. His family and community taught Tim the importance of helping others, and his heart overflowed with generosity and a consistent willingness to lend a hand. Whether by snow blowing or lawn mowing, tree removal or other projects, he was a true neighbor to others, if they shared a property border or not.

From a young age, Tim loved to fish. Whether it was with his father, grandfather, brothers, or eventually his own sons and grandchildren - whether off the shore or the dock, with waders on in the stream, or from the bow of his boat - Tim was always happy to have a line in the water. He would share this pastime with any who had a hand to hold a rod, and any with an ear to hear his fish tales.

He enlisted in the Army as an Operating Room Specialist, and served at Tripler Medical Center in Hawaii, caring for many of our service members as they returned home from Vietnam. He served from 1972 until 1975, reaching rank of E5, and received a commendation medal for his meritorious service. Upon returning home, he completed the Surgical Technologist course at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE, where he met his wife, Cindy.

After receiving his certification in 1978, he moved to Rochester, MN, to start a 40 year career working for the Mayo Clinic; first in Cardiac/Thoracic surgery at St. Mary's Hospital, and later in Outpatient Oral/Maxillofacial surgery at Mayo Clinic Gonda. He was very dedicated to the patients, the team and loved teaching others.

Tim and Cindy recently celebrated 45 years of marriage. Their love, bond and commitment to each other resulted in two children, Matthew and Michael. Together they also shared their appreciation for gardening and traveling across the country.

Tim deeply loved his sons and shared many of his hobbies and joys with them, as well as supported them in theirs. He was an attentive and present father and encouraged his boys through their formative years and beyond. His was a very hands-on love, assisting with their youth baseball teams, helping with job hunts, car purchases, and home remodel projects. His care and affection also flowed to his three grandchildren, who loved tractor rides, bonfires, and other adventures with him.

Tim always had a story to share; tales of his youth, or memories of friends and adventures outdoors, he loved to pass on his experience and joy to others. We are mourning our loss, as we would love to have him with us to make new stories, but we find peace in the knowledge that he is pain free and with the steadfast hope that he is able to enjoy God's eternal comfort, where he watches over us until we can embrace him again.

Tim is survived by his loving wife, Cindy; sons: Matthew (Victoria) and Michael; beloved grandchildren, Solomon, Ambrose, and Avila; sisters Colleen Engelke, Susan (Dr. Richard) Simmons, and Marilee Treadwell; as well as many cherished extended family members and friends. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Delores, and brothers, Dennis and John.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 4135 18 Avenue NW, Rochester, Minnesota with rosary at 10:00am at the church. Visitation will be from 4-7pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, Minnesota. Burial will be at the Minnesota Veteran's Cemetery, 715 US 52, Preston, Minnesota.

Memorial may be made to Mayo Clinic Pancreatic Research or Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Research.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Molko family.