Philip "Dutch" Edward Malberg

Dutch Malberg, a 4th generation Durango resident, passed away in his home during the early hours of the morning on November 29th, 2023.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn Malberg. Dutch and Marilyn’s 62-year love story was not a fable of white horses and castles in clouds, but a story of a couple who were rarely seen apart as they adventured in the mountains, skied, and rode their tandem bicycle throughout the US and parts of Europe. They continued their outdoor pursuits as they incorporated each new child into their growing family. Their family grew to include six children: Heidi, Kristina, Peter, Gretchen, Erika, and Ingrid. Dutch was lovingly called Opa by his pack of adoring grandchildren: Kyra, Marla, Austin, Andrew, Erich, Hallie, Elenya, Isabelle, Miles, Samantha, and Abigail and his two great grandchildren, Wyatt and Ezra.

Born and raised in Durango as the second son of 13 children, Dutch took on the roles of big brother, caregiver, and someone that everyone looked up to. 

Dutch was a proud veteran who served his country in the United States Army from 1957 to 1960.

He excelled at sports and shared his love and knowledge of basketball, baseball, tennis, and skiing willingly. He was instrumental in building the tennis community in Durango during the 1970s. He started and coached both the men’s and women’s Durango High School tennis teams. Nearly everyone playing at that time would have likely taken lessons from him or at the very least, had him string their tennis racket. 

After retiring from a career as a science teacher, tennis coach and the head of the science department for District 9R, as well as years as a trusted financial advisor, he became a ski instructor at Purgatory Ski Area at the age of 63 and received his 20-Years-of-Service Award in 2018.

Dutch was a strong and kind man who loved to teach and share his passions with others. It was not uncommon to get an evening knock on the door from one of his students. He would welcome them in and help them with their homework - often at the dinner table. Tennis players would spend hours chatting about techniques and strategies with Dad while he strung their tennis rackets in our basement.

He was the best father we could ask for. When he walked through the door after a long day at work, he didn’t expect his slippers or the newspaper. Instead, we greeted him with, “Daddy’s home” and we knew he would take us to the swimming pool, play catch with us, or help us with our tennis serve before dinner. 

The greatest gift my dad gave us kids was a deep and lasting love of nature by spending nearly every weekend of our childhoods in the mountains, camping, hiking, backpacking, and skiing. 

Dutch lived his life simply doing the things he loved and sharing those with others, and in doing so, made a lasting impact on so many. 

He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. 

A Rosary will be held at St. Columba Church on the night of December 18 at 6:30 pm.

The funeral service and mass will also be held at St. Columba Church at 10:00 am on December 19th, followed by a graveside service at Greenmount Cemetery with a reception to follow at the parish hall. 

* In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Hospice or St. Columba Church.