Gustav “Gus” Carl Moltzan Jr., age 96, of Birchwood, WI, died Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Eau Claire, WI. He was born on February 27, 1929 in Cook County, Illinois to Gustav Sr and Elizabeth (Rosenberger) Moltzan.

Gus graduated from High School in Chicago and then entered the United States Army and was later Honorably Discharged. He was married to Joan Bothke on June 29, 1957. Gus owned and operated a sporting goods store in Chicago and an outboard motor store.

Gus was known as the “fuller brush guy” - a door to door salesman. He owned and operated Hemlock Canoe Company in Birchwood, WI for many years. He loved hockey and scrimmaged in his youth against the Chicago Black Hawks, was a hockey coach, enjoyed bowling and golfing, going fishing, camping and going to the boundary waters. Joan and Gus enjoyed going to the Mabel Tainter Theatre in Menomonie and the Birchwood Senior Center. 

He is survived by 5 children, Kerry (Elaine) Moltzan, Dan Moltzan, Kyle Moltzan, Kim Moltzan and Greg Moltzan; 8 grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; a brother, Herbert (Jan) Moltzan; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Moltzan; a son, Fritz Moltzan; a great granddaughter, Macy Bystrom; his parents, Gustav and Elizabeth Moltzan; a brother, Edward (Rita) Moltzan; a sister, Mary Moltzan.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Saturday, March 7, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. John Erickson officiating, with interment in the Cedar Lake Cemetery, where Military Rites will be accorded him by the Rice Lake Veteran Center Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Last Update: Feb 23, 2026 10:18 am CST