Arnold "Arnie" Nick Malsom

Arnold “Arnie” Nick Malsom, beloved husband, father, Papa, brother, and friend, passed into eternal life surrounded by the family he cherished. Born June 3, 1953, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Arnie grew up on a farm outside Hosmer in a bustling German-speaking household of ten children. Life there was simple, rugged, and often hilariously chaotic — the kind of childhood that forged resilience, character, and a lifelong love of a good prank.

Arnie’s early years were marked by hard work and harder winters. He woke to blankets frozen to the wall, walked to the bus stop in wind chills that could make a grown man cry, and learned how to tend to the land and animals at a very young age. What carried him through those demanding days was the fierce love, steadfast faith, and camaraderie of his tightknit family — a bond that became the blueprint for the joyful life he would build. He and his siblings made their own fun with homemade toys, necktie‑burn competitions, and the occasional outhouse prank — including one particularly memorable moment involving fireworks and a very startled brother. Even then, Arnie had a twinkle in his eye and a knack for mischief that would follow him lovingly through his entire life.

After graduating from Hosmer High School in 1971, Arnie attended Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, earning his Building Trades Technology degree in 1973. He discovered what would become his life’s craft and calling: carpentry. With gifted hands, a sharp mind, and an unwavering work ethic, Arnie built not just structures, but trust. He believed that if you did good work, people would know — and they did.

In 1979, Arnie married the love of his life, Charlene Simon, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ipswich. Introduced by Arnie’s sister, they met at a wedding dance — naturally — where Arnie’s charm and Charlene’s smile began a partnership that would last nearly 47 years. Together they built a life rooted in faith, laughter, devotion, and deep mutual respect. After a few years in North Dakota, they moved to Colorado in 1981, where they started their family and raised two children, Kimberly and Bryan, and became active members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish.

Arnie’s Catholic faith was not just something he practiced — it was something he lived. He taught catechism, supported Marriage Prep, participated in Christ Renews His Parish, and later became a proud member of the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Knights of Columbus Council #7502, earning his 4th Degree Exemplification in 2020. His faith shaped his character: humble, steady, deeply generous, and always ready to lend a hand.

Professionally, Arnie became known as a master carpenter whose craftsmanship was matched only by his integrity. His long partnership with architect Anthony Monaco was one of the great friendships of his life. Together they built homes ranging from modest to million‑dollar masterpieces, but Arnie’s pride was never in the price tag — it was in the quality, the honesty, and the joy of doing things right.

Arnie’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He showed up for every game, performance, and school event, determined to give his children the very best. He taught them how to fix things, how to work hard, how to laugh at life, and how to love deeply.

Becoming “Papa” was the crown jewel of his life. Blake, Carson, Ethan, Miguel, and Emileigh lit up his world, and he lit up theirs. He read stories, snuggled, played, and — of course — brought his signature mischief with him. For reasons no one could ever quite prove, the final piece of a puzzle had a habit of going missing… only for Papa to be the one who “suddenly spotted it” on the floor or in a place the family had checked a dozen times already. He also shared a long‑running shark game with the kids — a blue‑and‑white toy shark that traveled secretly between them, tucked into unexpected places, often carrying a tiny love note in its mouth. It was their own joyful tradition, a quiet exchange of humor and affection that perfectly captured who he was.

And he didn’t deny adults from his shenanigans, either — it was not uncommon to find a coat pocket stuffed with peanut shells or be given an envelope with both sides permanently sealed shut. His “gifts” were often left in places and ways to be found later, when one couldn’t immediately tie him to the trick. He also had a knack for telling big stories with such sincerity that one always had to question if he was being serious or not. And when confronted? He’d plead innocence with a straight face… right up until that unmistakable snicker gave him away.

Even in hardship, Arnie’s spirit remained unshaken. After contracting West Nile Virus Encephalitis in 2013, he endured a long hospitalization and years of dialysis with courage, humor, and the same stubborn determination that once got him through those brutal South Dakota winters. In 2018, he was diagnosed with dementia, yet his gentle disposition never wavered, and his long‑term memories remained vivid and joyful. His family will forever treasure the gift of those conversations and the way his entire face lit up when he saw any of the grandkids.

Arnie is survived by his devoted wife, Charlene; his children Kimberly (Raleigh) Elstun of Centennial and Bryan Malsom of Thornton; his grandchildren Blake, Carson, Ethan, Emileigh, and Miguel; his niece who was like a daughter, Dawn (Sam) Porter and children Julianna and Bryce; his sisters Rose (Jim) Heyne and Barb (Tony) Schumacher; his brother Eloy (Patti) Malsam; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and loved ones who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Anton Malsam; his brothers Steve, Charles, and Alan; his sisters infant Mary Ann, Ardell, Janice, and Mary Lou; and several beloved nieces, nephews, and great‑nieces and great-nephews.

Arnie lived a life defined by faith, family, craftsmanship, generosity, and joy. He built things that lasted — homes, friendships, memories, and a legacy of love. And in true Arnie fashion, he did it all with a grin, a good story, and probably a puzzle piece hidden in his pocket.