The community of Charles City, Iowa is mourning the loss of Mike Molstead, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and the founder of Mike Molstead Motors, who passed away after a courageous 25-year battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing.
Born in Waterloo, Iowa, and a graduate of Reinbeck High School, Mike later studied at the University of Northern Iowa. He built not only a successful career as President of Mike Molstead Motors but also a reputation as a man whose life was grounded in faith, family, and service to his community.
The announcement from his dealership read, “It is with a very heavy heart that we share the passing of our founder, leader and friend, Mike Molstead. Mike’s life was built on faith, family and a deep love for his community and employees. He touched countless lives with his kindness, love and unwavering dedication to others.”
His son, Jordan Molstead, shared moving words about his father’s strength: “After battling for over 25 years, my father Mike Molstead finally lost his battle with lung cancer… While we are extremely saddened to lose him, we are relieved that he no longer has to live with the daily pain. If you know my dad, his faith came second to nothing other than maybe his love for his family. We know he is now in a better place, free from his pain and suffering.”
Friends and organizations across Iowa have also expressed their sorrow. The group Faith & Four Letter Words remembered Mike as a man of encouragement and generosity, saying, “He fought every single day with courage most of us can only imagine. He smiled when it hurt, he loved when it was hard, and he showed up for the people who mattered to him until the very end. That’s not losing…that’s living with strength and grace.”
Mike will be remembered not only for his leadership in business but for the way he treated others—with warmth, humility, and a deep commitment to faith. He was a man who believed in people, inspired those around him, and never stopped giving his best to his family, friends, and community.
As the Molstead family grieves, they are comforted by knowing that Mike’s faith has carried him home, and his spirit of love and resilience will live on in everyone he touched.