William Robert Malvin

Bill Malvin, 99 of Alexandria, formerly of Carlos, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026. Funeral services will be held at United Methodist Church in Alexandria at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026. A public visitation will take place on Sunday, March 1st, 2026 at Anderson Funeral Home from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as well as one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Burial will be at Carlos Prairie Cemetery in Carlos following a funeral luncheon at the church.

William "Bill" Robert Malvin passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, storytelling, and deep love for family.

Bill was born on September 14, 1926, to Park Samuel and Vilma Mae Malvin. He grew up in Vernon Center, Minnesota, and graduated from Garden City High School. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Mayem. Together they raised 5 children: Tom, Mike, John, Kristine and David. They built a life rooted in family, friendship, and farming.

In 1973, Bill moved with his family to Carlos, Minnesota, where he and Barbara purchased a farm north of town. Farming was not just his work — it was who he was. He farmed for as long as he physically could, stepping away only when he could no longer climb onto the tractor. Over the years, he also owned the Carlos Mill and Elevator and spent several years driving truck.

Bill worked hard, but he also knew how to enjoy life. He loved antiques and had an eye for well-made things from the past. He was known to frequent auctions — and his family has plenty of proof of that. He appreciated machinery, craftsmanship, and anything built to last.

He had a lifelong love of horses and remained connected to that passion well into his later years. In October 2023, at 97 years old, he took his final horseback ride — a moment that reflected his independent spirit and enduring strength.

Bill found quiet joy in watching things grow, in the spring he would check for the sprouting, in the fall it was not uncommon to find an ear of corn on the kitchen table. One of his favorite flowers was the four o'clock. In the afternoon he would walk down to the garden to check for its summer blooms.

He also loved old cars, including his 1939 Buick Special, his Ford Model A with a rumble seat, and his 1949 International pickup. During the summer months, he and Barbara enjoyed driving the Buick to Lake Carlos State Park or bringing it out for special occasions.

Bill was a lifelong Democrat — though it was rumored he may have voted Republican once — which he would deny. He was an active member of the Democratic Farmer Labor Party (DFL). He and Barbara both enjoyed volunteering at the Douglas County Fair DFL Booth, a yearly event they both looked forward to.

He was a man before his time. He believed deeply in learning, fairness, and the full dignity and potential of every person. He respected women’s leadership, cared about the well-being of the earth, and valued inclusivity, human dignity, and mutual respect. These convictions shaped his family and community and continue to live on in his children and in his legacy.

No matter who you were or what you did for a living, Bill enjoyed thoughtful conversation and hearing your story. His sister Maureen loved to say, "Bill could talk to a fence post." Ultimately, he was about building community and seeing the humanity in one another. A gifted storyteller with a sharp mind, a thrifty spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor, he could laugh at himself just as easily as he teased his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill was known for being able to fix almost anything. He repaired his own home, cars, tractors and farm equipment - always finding a way to make things work again. When he got bored he would plant his tools and move to the next project. Maybe he couldn't find the tools but the lawnmower could.

More than anything, he loved his family. He rarely missed an activity, attending baseball games, basketball games, horse shows, and many other events for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially loved holding the babies.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents, Park and Vilma; sons: Michael and John; sisters: Sarah Miller and Joanne "Dot" Butson; brothers-in-law: James Hageman, Claude Smith, Les Hubbard, Jerry Soller and Max Miller; son-in-law, Jim Parks; grandson, Jimmy; and a great-granddaughter Kjersten.

He is survived by his children: Thomas (Paula), Kristine (Scott Andersen), and David (Lynn); daughters-in-law, Karen Winger and Patricia Malvin; sisters: Marion Hageman, Maureen Hubbard, and Donna Soller; along with 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Bill will be remembered as smart, friendly, hardworking, and endlessly resourceful — a man who loved people, conversation, and his family deeply.

He was a good man. He will be dearly missed.

Bill's family is deeply grateful for his wonderful caregivers at Woodcrest Assisted Living, who were incredibly caring and showed him endless love and compassion.