Gerald (Jerry) Malmstrom passed away peacefully Thursday morning Feb. 8, 2018 at the Circle of Life Hospice Respite Care Facility in Bentonville, Ark. He was born to Carl and Mary (Nelson) Malmstrom in Greeley, Colo. July 5, 1940. They preceded him in death.
He grew up on a farm and attended Ault, Colorado, schools where he met city girl, Ginger Hotaling in the 1st grade. They kindled their friendship and went on to marry a year after high school and were married 58 years at his death.
He graduated from what is now the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and obtained his master’s degree in Biology from what is now Emporia State in Emporia, Kan. He was doing post graduate studies in Nuclear and Radiation Science at Oregon State University when he chose to focus on providing for his young family.
The family moved to Poplar Bluff in 1969 where he began his career as a science instructor at the downtown TRCC campus. He was a proud member of the “downtowners” and they met annually to date. Jerry was a sponsor for Phi Theta Kappa and served as Chairman of the Science Department for many years. He retired in 1996 after 28 years of teaching nursing/science.
In Poplar Bluff, Jerry was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church and very active in the choir. Jerry and Ginger participated in square dancing and gained many lifelong friends. He was a member of the Elks and an Official for local AAU track meets.
Jerry enjoyed traveling with his wife over the years having been to all 50 states and several countries. He had a dry sense of humor always having a joke to tell or to reach in his wallet and pull out a joke.
In 2001 he and Ginger moved to Holiday Island to experience true retirement community living. There he was actively involved with the Elks in many capacities, delivered Meals on Wheels, was one of Santa’s local helpers, a member of the Holiday Island Community Church and choir, member of the Holiday Island Singers, and the Ozark Chorale.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ginger Malmstrom (Hotaling); brother, John Malmstrom (Edna); two daughters, Andrea Rowe (Jeff); and Marci Stonecipher (Tom); grandchildren, Lucas Rowe, Kaysie Tisdale, Ian Martinez, TJ Stonecipher and Tim Stonecipher. Great granddaughter, Harper Stonecipher; sister-in-law, Beverly Briggs (Jim); a host of nieces and nephews Also, surviving are special friends, who met at Emporia State, Bob and Margaret Scobee.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 at Holiday Island Community Church with Pastor Jeff Timm officiating. A family memorial will be held in August.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Memorial donations may be made to the Holiday Island Elks-Connecting Books with Kids, PO Box 3087, Holiday Island, Arkansas 72631 or the Holiday Island Singers, PO Box 3202, Holiday Island, Arkansas 72631. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2018