Walfred B. Malmberg

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

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

In his early years, Walfred would help his brother-in-laws' (Charles and Selma Vittone) logging business. After graduating from Luther L. Wright High School in 1949, he worked for a few years then joined the U.S. Army in 1952-54, 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 degree in refrigeration. He worked in Washington D.C. for more than a dozen years. Wally started Artic Refrigeration in 1970 in Ironwood, Mich., and ran the company until 1995, when he retired.

Walfred had a passion for pitching horseshoes. He played in the Gogebic County league for more than 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 its course during retirement. Wally was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood for more than 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.

He is survived by his sons, Raymond (Amy) and Michael (Lynn); his step-daughter, Vicki (Rick) Grant; his fiancée of 34 years, Helen Ademino; Ray and Mike's mother, Beverly Sublett; his brother, Eugene; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in early June