Michael "Mike" W Malmstrom

Michael “Mike” W. Malmstrom, 71, of Moline, passed away, April 10, 2024, at Trinity Medical Center, Rock Island.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the funeral home.  Private burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Annawan, IL.  Memorials may be made to Bridging the Gap, AMVETS of East Moline, and/or Lincoln Detachment Marine Corps League.  

Mike was born on March 26, 1953, in Moline, the son of Willa Mae (Stark) and Lawrence Daniel Malmstrom. Mike’s been married to his beautiful wife Sheila, for 48 years. They have raised 5 children and are grandparents to 8 wonderful grandchildren. In Mike’s spare time, he enjoyed deer hunting, woodworking, and traveling the country on his motorcycle with his wife. For over 30 years, Mike brought happiness to everyone around him, dressing up as Santa and visiting children, veterans, and nursing homes, and he was the Toys For Tots Santa for several years.

Mike became an active member of the United States Marine Corp, joining in 1972, and then 7 months later joining the Marine Corp Reserves. He then became employed by McLaughlin Body in 1973, became a union member in good standing with UAW 1414 as an assembler, spot welder and forklift driver. In January of 1974, Mike left McLaughlin’s to work for John Deere Harvester Works and joined their UAW 865 during that time as well. While employed, he was instrumental in starting the first annual, official, East Moline Labor Day Parade in 1983, and was Chairman of the parade committee for 4 years. In 1985 he was laid off and put on a leave of absence for 6 and a half years. During those 6 and a half years, he had the pleasure of working alongside Lane Evans as his scheduled and driver for the State functions, as well as he joined and became Commander of the AMVETS #145 for 21 years. In 1990 he joined the Marine Corp League and in ’93 became their Department Officer, and over the past 30 years held various other positions as well. Also in 1993, Mike went back to work for John Deere Harvester Works and after giving 10 and a half more years, finally retiring in 2004, yet stayed on as Union member in good standing with UAW 865’s retiree group. Since 2010, Mike has been involved with the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) serving the first 4 years as their Vice President and then in 2015, became their President and served until his passing. He has also been on the State Board for ARA for 6 years. Over the past couple of years, he’s served as the Finance Officer for the American Legion Post 582 out of Erie, IL. Over the past 15 years, he’s served as the Precinct Committeeman for South Moline 19, and he’s been the President of Bridging the Gap for Homeless Vets since 2001 helping to coordinate and host the STAND DOWN event.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila; daughter Sabrina (Mark) Huntoon of Milwaukee, WI, Sara Limon of Silvis, IL, and Becky (James) Nelson of Albia, IA; son Paul (Shelby) Malmstrom of Carthage, TN; grandchildren Jenica, Linnea, Alicia, Patrick, Karl, Caleb, Ariannah, Isaiah; and favorite non-relative Brenda Garrett.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Patrick, Vincent, and Andrew Malmstrom; and many dear friends.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.