LANNING MOLLET
Lanning Mollet, age 86 of Yankton,passedawayFriday, November 28, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, surrounded by his family. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 5 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Yankton with Rev. Kwen Sanderson officiating. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the church. The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory, Yankton is assisting with the service details. Online condolences may be sent at: www.okfhc.com. To live stream Lanning’s service, visit: https://server.attend. live/static/event/KrA1r.
Lanning Clair Mollet was born on July 22, 1939, in Winner, to Harold and Verla (Nelson) Mollet. During his early years, the family lived in Grand Island, Nebraska; Lake Andes; and later settled in Wagner. It was in Wagner that Lanning graduated from high school, and where his parents devoted seven years to teaching music—an influence that helped shape his life’s calling.
Lanning continued his education at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. Even as a college student, he was already sharing his gift for music, teaching band and chorus in Letcher. On June 12, 1963, he married Fran Stedronsky, a cherished school friend from Wagner. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and music. Their teaching careers took them to Eagle Butte, Northville-Northwestern, and Britton, where Lanning became known for his passion for band and chorus and for encouraging young people to discover their own musical talents.
Though he loved teaching, Lanning later joined Engel Music in Aberdeen. In 1969, he and Fran moved to Yankton, and that same year he fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Mollet Music. Lanning believed deeply that anyone interested in music should have the chance to try it, whether beginner or seasoned performer. Under his leadership, Mollet Music became a cornerstone of the community and helped spark the start of many local rock bands—an impact that led to Mollet Music being inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. In recognition of his dedication to promoting the arts, he was also honored in 2011 as the first business inducted into the Yankton High School Fine Arts Hall of Fame. Lanning’s love for music extended far beyond his store. He was a steady presence at summer band concerts in the park and in the Community Concert Series. A faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he served on various boards and directed the choir for many years, offering his time and talent with humility and joy. Even with music filling much of his life, Lanning never missed what mattered most to him—his family. He took pride in supporting his two sons through football, baseball, basketball, track, Tae Kwon Do, gymnastics, and swimming, always cheering them on with quiet strength and a full heart. Family vacations were a treasured tradition, creating memories that grew even richer as grandchildren joined in the travels.
Lanning is survived by his wife, Fran; his sons, Chris (Audra) and Brad; his grandchildren, Brenna (Jake) Radtke, Skyer Mollet, Amber (Justin) Tatley, Mitchell Mollet, Tai Mollet, Karis Mollet, and Benny Mollet; his great-grandchildren, Madeline and Levi Radtke; his sister, Charla Shimp; his brother-in-law, Bob Shimp; his sister-in-law, Rose Nedved, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Verla Mollet; his sister, Marcia Jacobs; and his brotherin-law, Ron Jacobs.
Lanning’s life was a gift to all who knew him—marked by faith, devotion to family, and a lifelong mission to share the joy of music. His legacy will be heard in every note played, every student encouraged, and every memory carried forward with love.