John Wayne Malwitz, 75, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at his residence with his loving wife at his side.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 27, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Rev. John Bumgardner officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at St. John Lutheran Church.

John Wayne Malwitz was born June 6, 1941 in Gervais Township, Red Lake County, MN the son of Emil and Myrtle (Greenwald) Malwitz. He was baptized on July 6, 1941 and confirmed December 20, 1959 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN. John attended Pershing School in Plummer, MN.

On June 3, 1961, John was united in marriage to Colleen Audette at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN. They made their home in Plummer, MN for four years before moving to the family farm in Gervais Township, near Red Lake Falls. To this union four children were born, Warren, Meloni, Willard and Ben. He dairy farmed his entire life, had beef cows and a special love for horses. After retirement, he worked for his son, Warren on the dairy farm and also drove combine and tractor for his nephew, Kevin Malwitz.

John believed he was put on this earth to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed mowing lawns, dancing, telling stories, going to Memories with the Lunch Bunch, taking the grandkids out on the tractor with him, and being with his family at the Deer Shack and at the cabin at Springsteel.

He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls and had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. He was also a member of Ducks Unlimited, Sportsman's Club in Red Lake Falls and Plummer and also served on the Plummer Creamery Board.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Colleen of Red Lake Falls; children, Warren (Laurie) Malwitz of Red Lake Falls, Meloni (Bill) Rasmussen of Gentilly, MN, Willard (Tammie) Malwitz of Red Lake Falls, Ben (Becky) Malwitz of Red Lake Falls; grandchildren, Jessica (Alex) Hinrichs and children Mabel & Royce, Erinn (James) Pervis and children Ingrid & Cordelia, Randy Malwitz, Rachelle (Kaine) Jablinske and children, Bryson, Oliver & Piper, JaNae (Mike) Staples and children Estee & Vera, Kayla Rasmussen, Krystina (fiancé, Andy Weiss) Rasmussen, Jamee Rasmussen, Tiffanie (Carl) Dugstad and children Ty & Devyn, Brittanie (Andy) Pahlen and children Masen, Leah & Evan, Haylie (Nick) Knutson, Grace Malwitz, John Scott Malwitz, Paul Malwitz, and Tasha Malwitz; sister, Lila Brekke of Mesa AZ; sisters-in-law, Doris Malwitz, Karen (Jay) Guillemette; brother-in-law, Reynold (Pat) Audette; special family friend, Tracy Malwitz; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Willard and Kenneth Malwitz, sisters, Crystal (Fritz) Martell and Fern (Floyd) Hesse; mother & father-in-law, Norman and Nora Audette; step-father-in-law, Curtis Berard, brothers-in-law, Leroy Brekke and Jerry (Marlys) Audette.