Molstad family selected as DSU Ag Bowl Honorary Captains
August 21, 2025
Dakota State University is proud to name the Molstad family as the Honorary Captains for the 2025 Ag Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 6.
“The Molstad family is very honored to be selected as captains for the Ag Bowl,” said Lynette Molstad.
In the early 1930s, Lyle and Tootie Molstad settled in Lake County, building a farming tradition that still thrives today. John and Elizabeth Molstad, and their children, Jackson and Hannah, continue to make a lasting mark on agriculture in South Dakota.
John began farming full-time at just 16 years old and now works alongside his son, Jackson, to carry on the family legacy. He also operates Molstad Seeds, providing Asgrow/DeKalb seed to regional farmers. Elizabeth also has strong ties to agriculture, working with Vanhove Crop Insurance and Kundert Williams Insurance.
However, farming isn’t the only thing that ties the Molstad family to Lake County, several generations are proud Dakota State alumni.
“We have 12 DSU graduates in the family,” Lynette said. “It’s a special honor for all these graduates and our family.”
Jerry, John’s father, graduated in 1971 with a degree in Education, while Lynette, John’s mother, graduated in 1972 with a degree in Education, later serving 35 years as a professor in DSU’s College of Business & Information Systems.
After Jerry’s passing in 1995, Lynette married Dwayne Gorder, and helps operate the Gorder farm, which has been in existence in Estelline since 1893.
Other members of the family who earned degrees from DSU include:
- Lorraine (Molstad) Tepe (1943)
- Dan Gorder (1969)
- Lynn (Townsend) Gorder (1970)
- Sharon (Nowotny) Schueler (1973)
- LaRae (Molstad) Hildebrandt (1974)
- Craig Nowotny (1976), former DSU Trojan football player
- John Molstad (1999)
- Elizabeth Molstad (2004)
- Tyler Ruhd (2007)
- Jill (Molstad) Ruhd (2007) and currently serves as Senior Director of Philanthropy in the DSU Foundation
The Molstad family perfectly demonstrates the dynamic dedication to farming, education, athletics, and business that embodies the Trojan spirit. Dakota State is honored to celebrate their impact during this year’s Ag Bowl.
Kick-off for Ag Bowl will be Saturday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. on Blankley Field at the Brian Kern Family Stadium in the Beacom PREMIER Complex.