John Malzahn
May 28, 1951 - June 24, 2016
Obituary
Beloved brother, son, and steadfast friend, John Martin Malzahn, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 24, 2016. John was born on May 28, 1951 to Ruth (Thrasher) Malzahn and Ernest Henry Malzahn. John is survived by his sister, Katherine Ruth Malzahn-Bass, and her husband Derwin; niece Melissa Palmer, and her husband Eric; his aunt and uncle, Dale and Rose Malzahn; several loving cousins, and dear friends, Monica Duebbert and Robert Wesolek. John was preceded in death by his dear parents. John, a life-long resident of Saginaw, graduated from Arthur Hill High School and attended Western Michigan University. He leaves behind a considerable legacy of community service. Following his years as an Emergency Medical Technician, he moved into the public works arena, first working as the Carrollton Township Department of Public Services Superintendent before becoming the Superintendent of Bridgeport Township Public Works. As part of his public works career, John was also involved in the creation and work of the Mid Michigan Waste Authority (MMWA), formed by a group of municipalities in the early 1990's to provide residential waste management services. He served as MMWA vice chair from 1994 to 2005, then as chairman from 2005 until his retirement in 2011. Under his guidance, MMWA burgeoned from 12 to 35 municipal members and became the resource for municipal solid waste management across the State, being named a Governor's Partner in Excellence in Public Partnerships. Due to John's significant expertise in the solid waste arena, he also served on the Saginaw County Solid Waste Management Planning Committee from 1999 to 2016, serving as chairman or vice chairman for nearly his entire service term. John found great joy in woodworking and pottery. He had been an avid sky and scuba diver and was devoted to animals, especially his dog, Katie. He was gentle, kind, honest, and an ethical person who shall be deeply missed. His family would deeply appreciate any memories you would care to share about John. Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Humane Society of Saginaw County, 123 S. Niagara St. 48602. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
D
Danielle
Other •
My mother Ruthann Evans worked under John while he worked at Birdgeport Township. Every time I would come to the office (which was practically everyday as a kid) he would always with a steadfast smile look at me and say "Well hello #2". He was the nicest and most genuine person. Always showing interest in my adventures throughout childhood, highschool and college. While he is missed here on earth Heaven just received an amazing angel. Love to Johns family.
RT
Russ Taylor
Other •
I served with John on the MMWA board since its inception and always found him to be an honest and sincere person interested in doing the best for his community and the County. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sincerely,
Russ Taylor
LJ
Lyn James
Other •
John you were and will always be that dear sweet friend to me. Rest in peace my friend.
Lyn
MS
Matilda Szaroletta
Other •
In remembering John Martin Malzahn, a kind and gentle man comes to mind. John was the leader in the Bridgeport Water System. I was Secretary to the Board, and upon summarizing the minutes, we would confer and discuss everything. He was very knowledgeable and a great professional leader. It was delightful to listen to him talking about his goals, all infused with his dry sense of humor.
He was gentle, loved people as well as his dogs. He worked hard to get things changed in a manner to help the water system to work properly. He was a driving force to bring Bridgeport's water system up to par.
John was a great friend, and I miss him and my talks with him.
NB
Nancy Beagle
Other •
So sorry to hear of your loss. Take Care!
EM
E. Misner
Other •
Dear Kathy and Der,
I was so sorry to hear about your brother, John, Kathy. I am so far behind in the news that I only recently learned of his death. I'm sure you must have been here and I would like to have seen you to express my condolences in person. I am so sorry for your loss and send my love and deepest sympathy.
Love 'n prayers,
Elsie Misner