Sarah Ann was born on March 3, 1943, at Methodist Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter
of Wayne and Dorothy (Noffsinger) Molstad. She grew up on a farm in rural Moville, graduating
from Moville High School in 1961. Following graduation, she worked at the ACS office in Sioux
City, Iowa. On June 24, 1962, she married the love of her life, Eldon Meissner. Together, they
worked and built a beautiful life and family on the farm. In their sort of retirement, Eldon and
Sarah enjoyed traveling and seeing many beautiful and interesting places like Alaska, Canadian
Rockies and the many Country Music Cruises befriending many Country Singers. “Take the
Trip.”
Sarah dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She had a love of gardening, growing
enough every year to can and preserve her bounty for her family and friends to enjoy until the
next year's garden was harvested. She sent sealed jars of homemade chili and sauerkraut to
Jeff while he was deployed to Afghanistan when asked if it could be done. Recipes were used
as a guide; measurements came from her heart and always a glug or two of vanilla. Sarah said
there was always room at the table. Farm business appointments were conveniently scheduled
by salesmen at mealtime, knowing they would be treated to a home cooked meal.
Along with being a mother and farm wife, Sarah enjoyed working at Kingsley Veterinary Clinic
alongside Doc and Betty Hansen, which was her favorite occupation off the farm. She would
bring home many orphaned cats and dogs that were brought into the office.
Sarah’s greatest joy was attending various events for her children and grandchildren. She was
an avid sports fan, many times confusing her family at home hearing her cheer for both teams.
Sarah proudly cheered on her children and grandchildren’s teams whether it be sports, dance or
other school activities, and of course, the Iowa State Cyclones being a season ticket holder for
many years.
Sarah was a member of Salem Lutheran Church for all her married life. Her faith in the Lord was
extremely important to her, as she gave her heart to Jesus at the young age of 12. Sarah
participated in many Bible studies and church activities including teaching and serving the youth
of the church. She was a member of Cherokee County Cattlemen and Cowbells, Pork
Producers and Porkettes, was a Grand Meadow Larks 4H leader, and volunteered during
various community events. She was proud of her surrounding community and all the
friendships she made and prayed for their well-being. She never met a stranger and loved
having long conversations with friends she’d run into while out running errands.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Eldon, sons, Chuck (Polly) Meissner and Jeff
(Christina) Meissner, daughters, Randi (Ray) Anstine, Marti Meissner, and Cindi (Casey)
Koch. Grandchildren Taylor and Cale Anstine; Kevin, Sean, and Allison Meissner; Hannah,
Tyler and Cameron Koch; Danika Meissner, Kaitlyn and Rachel Stewart, Trina (Blaine)
Bottolfson and their son Tripp. Also left to cherish her memory are her siblings Linda Robeson,
David Molstad, Dan Molstad, and her sister-in-law Eleanor Jaynes along with many friends and
family.
Sarah was preceded in death by her infant son, Timothy William, her parents, sister Marbeth
Nyquist, brother-in-law Jim Jaynes and nephew Joel Jaynes.
Thursday, January 2, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Rohde Funeral Home
Thursday, January 2, 2025
7:00 - 7:30 pm (Central time)
Rohde Funeral Home
Friday, January 3, 2025
10:30 - 11:30 am (Central time)
Salem Lutheran Church
Friday, January 3, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Central time)
Salem Lutheran Church
Lunch and fellowship to follow the burial at Salem Lutheran Church.
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