Raymond John Malsom

Raymond (Ray) John Malsom passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, October 25, 2026. He was 87 years old. Ray was born in Aberdeen, SD to Anton and Rose (Olsen) Malsom, where he attended Central High School and Northern State College. Aberdeen is where he met his wife of 62 years, Rita Olsen.

Ray was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving his country from 1956-1960. He enjoyed sharing stories of his duty on the USS Peterson, as well as his travels to numerous countries across the world. His career began as an insurance salesman, and in 1970, he accepted a position as a supervisor for southern South Dakota with the Minneapolis Star Tribune. During his tenure he received several Supervisor of the Year awards, then moved his family from Yankton, SD to Dodge Center, MN when he was promoted to Regional Circulation Manager. Ray was later promoted to State Circulation Manager and retired in 2002 after 32 years of service.

Ray thoroughly enjoyed cooking (he made an incredible spaghetti sauce and fall-off-the-bone ribs), golfing, Minnesota Vikings football, and socializing with his friends at the Dodge Country Club. He especially loved family gatherings and was an avid conversationalist. Anyone he encountered would be entertained by stories of his ancestors, travels, hole-in-one at the golf course, political views or the achievements of his family members. He was gifted with the ability to make an instant friend given his warm and welcoming nature.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Gary Brandenburg; a sister, Carol Brandenburg; and a sister-in-law, Chloe Olsen. Ray is survived by his wife, Rita Malsom; 3 children, Tammy (Terry) Brandt, Melissa (Phil) Pflaum, Jesse (Rachel) Malsom; 7 grandchildren, Trevor (Brittaney) Kispert, Preston (Emma) Pflaum, Donovan Malsom, Leah Pflaum, Landon Malsom, Spencer Pflaum, Olivia Malsom; 2 step-grandchildren, Adam (De) Brandt, Sarah (Jeff) Ross; 2 great-grandchildren, Abigail (Abby) Kispert, Augustine (A.J.) Pflaum; 4 step-great-grandchildren, Jack Gerwill, Mackenzie Brandt, Bode Brandt, Savannah Ross; 3 siblings, Lori (Richard) Schultz of Helena, MT, Diann (Jack) Von Wald of Aberdeen, SD, Paul (Deb) Malsom of Nevada, IA; brother-in-law ,Ron Olsen of Sun Lakes, AZ; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Debbie Steffeck of Bismarck, ND; 6 nephews and 7 nieces.

His family loved him dearly and will miss his gentle, kind-hearted soul.

A memorial service will be held at 11:0 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church, 308 2nd St NW in Dodge Center, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his service at the church. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South Street SW Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507) 374-2155. Blessed be his memory.