Molu Zarpeleh, 10, of Brookings, SD, passed away Friday, July 3, 2020.  Funeral services have been set for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020 in the parking lot of First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD.  You may listen to the service on your radio on FM 88.1 in the church parking lot, or it will be livestreamed on First Lutheran Brookings Facebook page.  Graveside services will be held at First Lutheran Cemetery, if you would like to walk with the family to the graveside to honor their heritage, you can meet at Rude’s Funeral Home at noon Saturday. Visitation with social distancing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 10th, 2020 in the parking lot of First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD.  Memorials and Gifts may be directed to First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD to assist the family.  Cards for the family may be sent to First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD.

 Molu was born on May 20, 2010 to Mole and Philimena Zarpeleh in Montserrado County, Liberia. When Molu and his family came to Brookings, Molu enrolled in Medary Elementary and recently finished the 4th grade at Camelot Intermediate. His dream was to move to Philadelphia after graduation to go to college to be able to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.  He was on the flag football team and played football and basketball often with friends and his dad.

Molu was a loving, caring and smart boy. His smile was infectious and always graced his face. His greatest love was his family. He would always share about them with joy. He was a mama’s boy and a big boy to his father helping take care of his family. He loved his sisters and always helped them with homework, caring for them and their protector. Next to smiling, his dancing was joyful. He would dance for joy with his whole family and show off his new moves in his classrooms and with friends.  His teachers loved him. Molu loved to please others.  He always asked if he could help in any way – no matter where he was. He loved riding his bike. His sister remembers him helping her to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels. His favorite times were when his dad would take him and his sisters on a big bike ride. Molu always showed up in his best outfits to show respect for himself and others.   When he presented as the ambassador of Liberia for culture day, his suit couldn’t outshine his smile. He was so proud that he stood 3 inches taller. He embraced his education to the fullest. He would come home and teach his sisters.

Molu was fortunate to have been raised also by his grandmother. When little, Molu always wanted to sleep with his mom. Mom would put Molu to bed but often wake with him in her bed. He was her everything. Dad guided Molu from a young child in a cherished young man. Molu spent much of his time with his dad and the rest of the family he loved unconditionally. Molu kept a secret box on his bed no one could touch. Following his passing his family opened his secret box to discover 2 RC cars, Philadelphia Eagles cards, Philadelphia Eagles art and a note from a classmate. He was loved by family and at the young age of 10, his positivity and love impacted the entire community of Brookings.

Molu is survived by parents Mole and Philimena Zarpeleh; four sisters, Annie, Nyla, Desire and Fatu Zarpeleh; four grandparents, 17 aunts and uncles; 17 great aunts and great-uncles; 23 cousins and 35 second cousins.

 Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.