Michael Nielsen Mallberg

Michael, (Mike, Big Mike, Moon Pie, Grandpa Turkey and Mally) Mallberg, slipped past St. Peter through the pearly gates of Heaven to meet Jesus on June 17, 2023 in a loving room at Taylor Hospice House, ending his full and blessed life with his earthly body. A visitation will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 4:00-7:00pm at St. John’s Catholic Church in Adel. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30am Friday, June 23, 2023 at the church as well. Burial will take place following the mass at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel.

Mike was born March 23, 1949 in the Arizona, desert town of Douglas. Mike grew up in Minnesota where he played football, met his bride and started his family, and spent half of his life. Mike met the love of his life, Janice (Jan, JK, Toots) Braun and made her his wife on March 20, 1971. They settled in southern Minnesota, and eventually moved to Adel, which he called home until going to his everlasting home with God. Mike and Jan brought into this world two wonderful and talented daughters Stacia (Stacy, Tater, Zero) and her husband Kevin (KC) Christians of Coralville, and Tricia (Trish, Tritty, Skunk)  and her husband Shawn (Crain) Crain of Nevada. From these children he met the next loves of his life which are his grandchildren; Bailey (Spanky) Crain, Gray (Hollywood) Christians, Dane (Bubba) Christians, Briar (Frank) Crain, Maeve (Noogie) Christians, and Bryn (Fred) Crain. He was a great dad, and an exceptional grandpa.

Mike spent the bulk of his vocational life behind a wheel of some sort from one vehicle to another. He drove everything from an 18 wheeler to a limo, a shuttle van to a courier car. Mike drove more miles in reverse than most people, will ever drive forward. He finished his work life after selling AFLAC insurance and legal aid. But his true passion was his side hustle: high school and college football officiating. Getting back into the game was a great joy in his life. He took so much pride in his officiating. He continued to “work” after losing a lung to cancer, and even after collapsing on a college field from cardiac arrest. He was back at it later that fall. Many a happy family gathering centered around everyone watching Dad/Grandpa in his happy place, among the football players.

Mike was a great friend, a helpful member of his community, and man of deep faith. His wit and charm drew everyone to him. His bigger than life personality will be remembered the most of all.

Mike will meet in heaven, his gentle and beloved father, Dean Sr., his not so gentle but, still beloved, mother, P. Virginia (Grandmother) Nielsen, his dear mother-in-law Candice (Ms B) Braun and father-in-law Harry Braun. His beloved wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren survive him. Also his brother Dean Jr. (Punk) (Marilyn) of Marana, AZ, many brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews, and friends, too numerous to count.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to St. John’s Catholic Church in Adel or Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, as these were important places to Mike and his family.

Online condolences to the family may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com