Don Molyneux, who served longer as an elected official than anyone else in Thiensville’s history, is celebrating his 100th birthday today with a celebration at Newcastle Place.
Don was first elected as a village trustee in 1970 and served both in that capacity and 12 years as village president before concluding his service in 2012. That is an admirable and impressive 42 years of service to Thiensville!
Don has been married to his wife LaVerne for 73 years. They were homeowners in Thiensville for well over 60 years before both moved to nearby Newcastle Place in Mequon a few years ago.
In his years of service in the village, Don also served on the Thiensville Business Association, the Frank L. Weyenberg Library Board of Trustees, the Weyenberg Public Library Foundation’s Board of Directors, the Logemann Community Board. He was also a board member with what is now the Mequon-Thiensville Historical Society.
He was one of the original Reserve Officers for the Thiensville Police Department and, until just the past few years, continued to volunteer at community events and attend training exercises.
In addition, he was active as a member and past president of the Thiensville-Mequon Lions Club, American Legion Howard J. Schroeder Post 457, the Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce, the James W. Hays Masonic Lodge, Tripoli Shrine of North America, Ozaukee Chapter #147 Order of the Eastern Star, Mequon United Methodist Church, Ozaukee Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sister of Oaukee County and the Junior Auxiliary of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. He also served as a volunteer driver for the Eye Bank from Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Mequon to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa.
Don is a World War II veteran. He retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel. He served in the First Armored Division in North Africa and Italy under the legendary General Dwight D. Eisenhower and General George S. Patton. Several years ago, Don was honored to fly on the Honor Flight to view the World War II Veteran’s Memorial and other monuments in Washington, D.C.
Don has been recognized by numerous community organizations for his years of selfless dedicated service. Those accolades include Thiensville dedicating the park at 105 S. Main St. in his honor in 2004. In July 2017, current Village President Van Mobley donated an obelisk to the park that honors Don’s military service, along with all other veterans from the village.
Happy birthday, Don!