Ken Molzer was born on January 3, 1940 in Hallam, Nebraska and his parents were Frank and Zelda Molzer. Ken was married to Charlotte who passed away on April 3, 2017.
They have two children daughter Kari Jo (Kevin) Johnson and son Keith (Molly) Molzer and five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Ken attended grade school and high school in Plymouth, Nebraska graduating in 1957. He then attended Fairbury Junior College graduating in 1959. Then it was off to the University of Nebraska- Lincoln to get a Music Education Degree in 1961. He then got a Masters Degree in Music at University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1969. While in high school Ken began playing tenor sax in the Plymouth High School Band in 1953. In his junior year in high school which was 1955, Ken’s neighbor on the farm, Al Rehm, had a Polka Band and he was asked to be a member so that was the start of his professional career.
The list of bands Ken played for:
AI Rehm Polka Band
Chuck Bauer Orchestra
Glen James Orchestra
Rudy J Orchestra
Freddie Drexler Four Aces
Mickey Kull
Tommy Bishop Orchestra
Sonny Svoboda Red Red Raven Orchestra
Leo Lonnie Orchestra
Duffy Belorad Band with Kevin Koopman
Ken has received several awards for music and the arts:
Music Educator for 38 years
Past President of Nebraska Music Educators Association
Past President of Nebraska State Bandmasters Association
Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Bandmaster of the year 1996
Member of the Nebraska Educators Association Hall of Fame
Papillion/La Vista Secondary Teacher of the Year 1994
Grand Marshall of the Papillion Days Parade 1999
First person in the City of Papillion honored as Volunteer of the Year
Sarpy County Volunteer of the Year 2008
Midlands Community Foundation Reflection Ball — Ken and Charlotte honored for involvement in the community
Legendary Educator from Papillion/La Vista Community Schools 2011
Community Arts Award from Papillion Mayor David Black
Chairman of the Papillion Arts Council
Board member of the Papillion Arts Foundation
Founder/Director of the Papillion Area Concert (PAC) Band (in it’s 37th year)
Founding/present board member of the Papillion Area Community Theatre
Sum Tur Amphitheater completed in 2007 with Ken’s vision and leadership
Ken also served as the Music Education Specialist for 23 years with Dietze Music. Ken taught public school music for 38 years and has played for 70 years in a number of dance bands. He has served choir director for over 50 years with the last 37 at First Lutheran Church in Papillion. With his involvement as a volunteer in the community, he has been recognized for his musical leadership and developing programs. He thanks the Lord for those opportunities to enjoy making music in a variety of settings with outstanding musicians.