Jody Keith Malrigren, a veteran of the United States Navy and a dedicated public servant in Sanpete County, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Malmgren, 77, died following a courageous battle with cancer while surrounded by his family.
Military service and early life
Born on March 28, 1949, in Salina, Utah, Malmgren was the eldest of five children born to J. Keith Malmgren and JoBerta Ann Averett. His early life was defined by the responsibilities of farm and agricultural work, as he spent his youth working alongside his father, uncle, and grandfather tending bees and farming.
These formative years in Sanpete County instilled values of integrity, hard work, and service that would later define his military and professional career. His military service included three years in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1970 as a Navy Seabee, supplemented by additional years in the Naval Reserve for a total of six years of service.
Naval career and reconstruction work
During his naval career, Malmgren served as a Fire Damage Controller on Midway Island from 1968 to 1969. He later served in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, from 1969 to 1970, eventually discharging from active duty with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.
Following his military service, Malmgren contributed to recovery efforts in Idaho, spending two years rebuilding power lines in the Rexburg area following the Teton Dam disaster. His professional life was marked by a deep commitment to community safety and local industry.
Commitment to public service
Malmgren held numerous roles within Sanpete County's emergency and law enforcement sectors. He served as a Gunnison Valley Police Officer, a Sanpete County Sheriff's Deputy, an EMT, and a member of the Mine Rescue team. Additionally, he worked as a volunteer firefighter and was a member of the Sanpete County Search and Rescue team.
His civilian employment included many years as the head mechanic at Freedom Ford and more than three decades of work at the SUFCO Coal Mine. He eventually retired from the mine at age 76 due to his battle with cancer.
Personal traditions and family life
Beyond his professional obligations, Malmgren was known for his devotion to family and long-standing traditions. He was a frequent attendee at the National Finals Rodeo, a tradition he maintained for over four decades, rarely missing a performance since the event moved to Las Vegas in 1985.
He found joy in simple pleasures, including fishing for catfish and hosting battered fish fries for loved ones. His personal routines often included quiet drives, enjoying Quorum cigars, listening to Louis L'Amour westerns or crime thrillers on tape, and watching programs such as COPS or classic John Wayne westerns. He also maintained weekly 'mutton and sourdough' gatherings with lifelong friends to play poker and share meals.
Funeral arrangements and survivors
Malmgren is survived by his daughters Cheryl Ann Hansen (Jed), Holly Marie Chappell (George), and Marci Nicol (Keith); grandchildren Whitney, Stockton, Jaden, Brenna, Alyssa, Maci, Emme, Millie, and Tripp; and great-grandchildren Link, Axel, Cinch, Tuff, and Hudson. He is also survived by siblings Craig H. Malmgren, Sherrie Telford (Joe), Van L. Malmgren (Shari), and Cindy Willden.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Centerfield Chapel. Public viewings are scheduled for Sunday, July 26, from 6-8 p.m., and again on Monday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at the Centerfield Cemetery. Magleby Mortuary is handling arrangements, with an online guestbook and live stream available through their website.
