Betty Arlien Malchow

Betty Arlien Malchow, age 99, of Wanamingo, passed away on September 12, 2026 at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna, Minnesota. Betty was born May 24, 1927 in Amboy, Minnesota to Glen and Bessie (Dethloff) Hoag. She graduated from Amboy High School and attended Gustavus Adolphis College for two years. In 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Gerhardt “Get” Malchow. Betty was never one to brag, but her family was always proud to tell others that she was the valedictorian of her Amboy High School class. She later continued her education and earned a Bachelors degree from Winona State. In 1957, Betty, Get, and their daughter, Becky, moved to Wanamingo, the community that would become home.

Betty’s life centered around three things that mattered deeply to her: faith, family, and friends. Trinity Lutheran Church was her church home beginning in 1957, and she gave generously of her time and talents there. Among her many roles, she served as congregation president during Trinity’s 75th anniversary. Betty also treasured the many friendships she made throughout her life. There are simply too many to name but each held a special place in her heart. Her caring influence extended well beyond her immediate family. She was honored to s4rve as godmother to nine and cherished the opportunity to mentor a very special young person. Betty’s most important role was at home, where she devoted herself to raising her family and managing a busy household. She was a loving and dedicates stay-at-home mom, creating a home filled with love., care and a strong sense of family. Her work at the DAC and Riverview Manor was also a deeply meaningful part of her life. Betty was one of the first two teachers at the DAC located in the Wanamingo school, working with individuals with developmental disabilities. She later became an administrator at Riverview Manor, where she served for many years. Even after retiring, Betty couldn’t quite stay sway. She returned as a staff member because she missed the residents. She cared greatly about the people she worked with and served, and the relationships she formed there held a very special place in her heart.

Perhaps nothing demonstrated Betty’s devotion to her family better than her determination to be there. Throughout the years, she rarely missed an opportunity to watch a family member participate – whether it was football, basketball, baseball, choir, band, gymnastics, piano recitals, or even barrel racing. Considering the number of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren involved, that was truly a remarkable feat.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Becky (Gary); her son David (Michelle); five grandchildren, Jeffrey, Haha, Meghan, Mikayla, and Matt (Jayce); and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerhardt “Get”; her parents, Glen and Bessie; and her sister, Arlien Kosiolek.

Funeral will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wanamingo, MN, with Rev. Dave Sorenson officiating. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. before the service. Burial to follow the service at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Betty’s family will be directing memorials to the Habitat for Humanity and Bread for the World.