- Date Of Birth: April 2, 1942
- Date Of Death: November 26, 2022
- State: Minnesota
Spring of 1942, on the island of Puerto Rico was born Juan Malave, the fifth of seven Malavé children of Justino (Tino) and Juanita.
Growing up on a farm meant learning to be relied upon, a hard fruitful worker and dedication to a family. A foundation we all later seen in Juan.
Within several states turning up few opportunities. The small group of friends Juan took the journey with somehow heard that Minnesota is a promising next stop. Hello green giant!…. Goodbye green giant. Minneapolis here he comes.
Those who had taken the journey from Puerto Rico decided after all the trials and tribulations and everything that comes with being a young Spanish-speaking male in the mid-1960s it was better to just go home, not Juan. Taking the jobs he could, living in his car to learning how to speak English from vinyl records that we still have to this day. His journey continued.
The 60s and 70s were a big life turner for him in every way possible and trying to find his way.
1969, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980 and 1985 were his biggest turning point years.
June of ’78 Kurt Manufacturing offered him the solid job and foundation he was looking for to grow a career and his family. This is where he also met his very best friends, Jose & Kathy whom have become family in every way. Kurt stayed with him until his retirement many years later.
1999 was the beginning of grandpa years and in 2010 it doubled. Being grandpa was so natural to him that the love that came forth superseded all for him. His job from then on was, Grandpa.
If you ever had the pleasure of meeting our dad, you learned very quickly to listen with an accent. His soft words, big smile and infectious laugh drew you into who he was and to say he had a big heart would be largely understated. He had the most gentle soul and was the kindest man. Would roll up his sleeves at a moments notice, was never afraid to help those whenever and wherever life took him.
We will miss your laugh and you saying I love you. Your unwavering love for bananas is forever etched, these pieces never to be forgotten, nor the lessons you’ve instilled in us.
We love you,
Juan Jr, Sophia, Aaron, and Jaxon
1981 until forever, my brother
I am pieces of all the places I have been and all the people I have loved.
