Obituary of John Martin Malzahn

Beloved brother, son, and steadfast friend, John Martin Malzahn, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 24, 2016. John was born on May 28, 1951 to Ruth (Thrasher) Malzahn and Ernest Henry Malzahn. John is survived by his sister, Katherine Ruth Malzahn-Bass, and her husband Derwin; niece Melissa Palmer, and her husband Eric; his aunt and uncle, Dale and Rose Malzahn; several loving cousins, and dear friends, Monica Duebbert and Robert Wesolek. John was preceded in death by his dear parents. John, a life-long resident of Saginaw, graduated from Arthur Hill High School and attended Western Michigan University. He leaves behind a considerable legacy of community service. Following his years as an Emergency Medical Technician, he moved into the public works arena, first working as the Carrollton Township Department of Public Services Superintendent before becoming the Superintendent of Bridgeport Township Public Works. As part of his public works career, John was also involved in the creation and work of the Mid Michigan Waste Authority (MMWA), formed by a group of municipalities in the early 1990's to provide residential waste management services. He served as MMWA vice chair from 1994 to 2005, then as chairman from 2005 until his retirement in 2011. Under his guidance, MMWA burgeoned from 12 to 35 municipal members and became the resource for municipal solid waste management across the State, being named a Governor's Partner in Excellence in Public Partnerships. Due to John's significant expertise in the solid waste arena, he also served on the Saginaw County Solid Waste Management Planning Committee from 1999 to 2016, serving as chairman or vice chairman for nearly his entire service term. John found great joy in woodworking and pottery. He had been an avid sky and scuba diver and was devoted to animals, especially his dog, Katie. He was gentle, kind, honest, and an ethical person who shall be deeply missed. His family would deeply appreciate any memories you would care to share about John. Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Humane Society of Saginaw County, 123 S. Niagara St. 48602. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.