Merlin "Lee" Mollet

Age 87 of North Branch, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on March 20, 2021. He was born in Geddes, SD on April 3, 1933. Preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Genevieve Mollet. Born and raised on a farm, Lee had a strong work ethic and a drive to be the best he could be. After High School, Lee worked on the Ft. Randall Dam on the Missouri river at Pixtown, SD. Lee joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and became an Air Force pilot. Lee served 20 years of honorable service from 1952 to 1974 in the USAF, he retired at the rank of Major. His travels took him all over the world. Lee began his career as an airline pilot for North Central Airlines in 1959 based in Minneapolis, MN. He retired as a Senior Captain with Northwest Airlines in 1993. Lee lived in the Farmington, MN area for many years, he farmed extensively and had a good sized horse operation. Lee was a Mason and a Shriner. He loved Florida, and lived in the St. Petersburg and Melbourne Florida area. Lee enjoyed his RV, horse shows, and the Minnesota State Fair. He loved his grandchildren, and enjoyed watching them compete in sports, equestrian performances, and Boy Scouts. Lee is survived by his wife, Molly (Marlene Vander Plaats); son, Bart (Barbara), daughter, Aleta (Brad) Sinclair; grandchildren, Taylor Sinclair, Matthew (Kamira) Mollet, Jonathan (Kelsey) Mollet, Avery (Nick) Salup, Daniel (McKenna) Mollet, Jillian Sinclair; three great-grandchildren; step-children, Shawn Grams and Sara (Eric) Christenson; step-grandchildren, Zach Christenson, Allie Christenson, and Raini Grams; brothers, Loren (Val), Ray (Barb), and Bill; many friends and extended family. A celebration of Lee's life will be 2-6 PM Sunday, July 25th with a service beginning at 4 PM at Roberts Family Funeral Home. Private interment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. The service will be livestreamed here: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1626389540125492