Raulo R. Malm, 89

Raulo R. Malm, age 89, of Hastings, died June 30, 2011, at his home.

Raulo was born May 26, 1922, in Chicago Heights, Ill., to Knute and Edythe (Anderson) Malm. A graduate of Red Wing High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in early 1942 and earned paratroop wings in San Diego. He spent 2 years in Solomon Islands and later returned to the U.S. to train for assault on Iwo Jima. Raulo was part of the first assault wave to hit the beach, saw both flags go up, was wounded and evacuated to the hospital ship. He was awarded the Purple Heart. After his discharge, he returned to Red Wing and a job as foreman at the McCoy Curran garage. Raulo married Lois Eastlund on July 19, 1947, in Red Wing. He later established the Hastings Readi Mix and was in that business for a number of years before joining Hastings Lumber Mart as credit manager prior to retirement.

Raulo was an avid golfer and snowbird who also enjoyed playing cards. Fishing and hunting at his cabin were a big part of his life. He was fiercely patriotic and a very proud Marine. Raulo was known for his smile and willingness to be of help. He and Lois spent the last 20 winters in Gulf Shores, Ala., and shared many friends there - especially the MN Breakfast Club. His memberships included the V.F.W., where he served two terms as commander; American Legion; Military Order of the Purple Heart; two terms as commissioner of Historical Preservation Committee; the Masonic Lodge; and was past president of Kiwanis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Jeffrey and David; and his granddaughter Angie.

Raulo is survived by his wife, Lois; sons Michael of Mound and Steven of Hastings; daughters-in-law, Julie and Patty Malm, both of Hastings; grandchildren Nick, Mike Jr., John, Tori, Rikk, Jason, and J.T.; also seven great-grandchildren plus one on the way.

The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, at Our Saviour's Ev. Lutheran Church, 400 W. 9th St., Hastings. A gathering will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home, 201 E. 7th St., Hastings, and also 1 hour prior to the service at church.

Arrangements were handled by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home, Hastings, 651-437-9419, www.caturia-smidtfh.com.

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