David W. Malliet, age 67, passed away on April 3, 2026, at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. His family was with him as he made the final cast into eternity. Dave was born on December 31, 1958, to the late Eugene and Marilyn (Quall) Malliet in Appleton. He grew up in Freedom with his 3 siblings and graduated from Freedom High School.

Upon graduating he began work at Miller Electric.  Dave had intended to go to Colorado to camp, but his dad had other plans, thus began his career. He continued to reside in Freedom and began a family. His daughter Lindsey arrived when Dave was about 30, and her arrival changed his world. Dave became the epitome of a “girl dad.” In 1992, Dave met Julie Helmeid and two years later they married. Kelsie arrived in 2003 and their family was complete! For Dave, being able to choose to be a dad and a husband was the best of his decisions.

Dave was the type of person who was generous and invested in the people around him. He gave of himself to anyone in need. Dave was a fixer and inventor by nature and could literally fix anything. He had the ability to invent solutions to problems that might arise. Dave was active in the lives of his daughters. He enjoyed spending time with them and sharing in their lives. Being a dad and grandpa was primary to any adventure that might present itself.

Family was everything to Dave. His care for his wife, his daughters, grandchildren and also his siblings was evident in everything he did. He also was privileged to be able to care for his dad, who was his best friend, through his final journey home. His legacy truly was one of giving to others.

Dave had some mad music skills. He had a James Taylor voice, could play guitar, piano, enjoyed harmonica and also the banjo. He wasn’t afraid to step out and share his gift with others. He must have absorbed some of that musicality from his mom. Dave enjoyed camping and fishing and spending as much time as possible on his land in Boulder Junction. He loved to bring his grandkids along on those adventures. Often, he brought his grandson along to be the “good luck charm” on the boat.

Adventurous by nature, Dave loved to do anything related to flying. He enjoyed attending EAA each year and was truly nuts about planes. He also enjoyed building and successfully completed three homes. Julie always reminded him that he could build but he HAD to have a parachute. He often said, if he could have done it over, he would have joined the Navy and been a flyer.

Dave is survived by his wife Julie, daughters Lindsey (Graham), and Kelsie (Tanner Brockman); and grandchildren: Caitlyn and Jacob. He is further survived his siblings: Mike (Cindy), Barb (Mike) Maloney, Dan (Ellie); his dogs Sophie and Tucker, in-laws Bill and Marilyn and the Helmeid Family, as well as his best friend Larry Jones (a friend since 5thgrade).

He was preceded in death by his parents Gene and Sandy, as well as his beloved dogs: Arley, Casey, Sadie, Sandie and Shay.

A celebration of life is being planned, and details will be updated as they become available.

Dave’s family would like to thank the transplant team, oncology and ICU at Mayo Clinic for the wonderful and compassionate care provided not only to Dave and to all of us. To the crew at Fresenius Kidney Center-thank you for making Dave’s journey possible.