Walfred B. Malmberg, 84

Walfred B. Malmberg, 84, died Friday, Dec. 25, 2015, at his home following a long battle with many illnesses.

He leaves his son Raymond and wife Amy, his son Michael and wife Lynn, his step-daughter Vicki Grant and husband Rick; his fiancé of 34 years Helen Ademino; Ray and Mike’s mother, Beverly Sublett; his brother Eugene; and eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Born Oct. 31, 1931, and raised in Ironwood, Michigan, the son of Theodore and Ida (Rajala) Malmberg, he lived most of his years in Ironwood.

In his early years, Walfred would help his brothers-in-law’s (Charles and Selma Vittone) logging business. After graduating from Ironwood High School in 1949, he worked for a few years then joined the U.S. Army in 1952 to 54, where he attained the rank of corporal. He was a veteran of the Korean War and was honorably discharged.

In 1955, he attended Ferris State University, graduating in 1957 with an associate’s degree in refrigeration. He worked in Washington, D.C., for over a dozen years. Wally started Artic Refrigeration in 1970 in Ironwood, and ran the company until 1995, when he retired.

Walfred had a passion for pitching horseshoes. He played in the Gogebic County league for over 30 years. He also played in many tournaments in the upper Midwest, winning many trophies.

An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of Boulder Creek Golf Course. He scored two hole-in-ones on their course during retirement. Wally was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood for over 40 years and served many of those years on the church council. Wally relocated to Columbia Falls in 2014 and was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 31 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls. Wally wished to be buried in Ironwood; a service with a military detail will be done at that time.