David R. Malvig

David Richard Malvig, 82, of Elk River, MN, passed away on April 30, 2026. He was born January 11, 1944, in Bigfork, MN to Hadley and Geneva Malvig and raised on the family farm.

After graduating from Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, MN, David returned to Bigfork and worked for North Itasca Electric co-op for several years. He later moved to Minneapolis to pursue new opportunities. In a providential twist, he rented a room from the grandparents of a young woman who would become his lifelong companion. After being introduced to Susan (Head), the two quickly became inseparable. They were married on a very cold winter night—February 14, 1970—at Edina Baptist Church.

David began an apprenticeship with Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy), where he worked for the next 34 years. He often said he loved his job and was proud to be a lineman.

Throughout his life, David was actively involved in his church—first at Elm Creek Chapel in Champlin, and later at Alliance Community Church of Elk River, now Gateway Church. His relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life and he prayed faithfully and fervently for his loved ones to know Him. His faith grew stronger as he learned to live with disease and a failing body. Although he did not want to leave his family, he looked forward to the joys of Heaven.

Growing up in the northern Minnesota woods under humble conditions cultivated in David a deep love for the outdoors. He took great joy in working outside, and there wasn’t a tree nearby that he couldn’t imagine cut, split, and neatly stacked in preparation for the long Minnesota winters. He was happiest being out in the woods; cutting trees, deer hunting or operating his machinery--his tractor, bobcat and 4-wheeler.

David is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Susan; his four children: Brian (Jennifer), Steven (Maryann), Jonathan (Carrie), and Leah, and who he often considered his fifth child, granddaughter Charity; his sisters Miriam (Harland), Eunice (Craig), and Anna (Lauren); his eleven grandchildren; and his two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his dear friend and brother, Philip.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Gateway Church in Elk River, MN on May 30. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM.