Obituary of William L. Malam

William L. (Rev) Malam, age 89, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2019. Preceded in death by his cherished wife of over 56 years Arita, infant son Robert, and siblings Evelyn Juhl, Leota Lockman, Eleanor Brown, Orville Malam, Kenneth Malam, and Gary Malam. Survived by children Douglas (Terese) Malam, Brian Malam, Mark (Mary) Malam and Barbara (David) Benson; grandchildren Jennifer, Margaret, Scott, Emily (Greg), Melissa, Daniel, Elise, Kenneth, and Sarah; great grandchildren Avery, Easton and Henry; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bill was born on January 31, 1930, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He attended Northwestern Bible College in Minneapolis and Bethel Seminary in St. Paul. He was called as a pastor at six different churches over 40 years. He also served as an interim pastor for the Baptist General Conference for 11 years at Minnesota and Iowa churches. He served on the MN and National Baptist General Conference Boards of Directors and the Board of Trustees at Bethel College. Bill spent his life serving the Lord and those to whom he ministered. He changed the lives of countless people in his 50+ years of ministry, loving and accepting them without judgement. He loved his family unconditionally, and was especially devoted to his grandchildren. He always said his favorite grandchild was the one he was with. He also loved gardening and was an avid bird watcher. Delighted by the company of his wife Arita, the couple spent countless hours walking the trails in Minnetonka, where they lived for over 28 years, and on the beach in Sarasota. Bill lived at WestRidge and Mainstreet Senior Living after Arita passed in 2010. Funeral service to be held Wednesday April 17 at 11 a.m. at Cross of Glory Church, 4600 Shady Oak Road, Hopkins. Luncheon to follow. Memorials/donations may be sent to Douglas Malam, 5715 Grand Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55419.