Karin Marie Malesich

In Loving Memory of Karin Malesich

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karin Marie Malesich who departed this life on April 8th, 2026, at the age of 84. Karin was a cherished sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, aunt and teacher. Karin is remembered for her kindness, love, humor and laughter she brought into the lives of everyone who had the opportunity to know her.

On April 19, 1941, Karin Marie Soyland was born to Einar and Ingaborg Soyland in Granvin, Norway. First of four children, Karin spent her time helping family with chores under German occupation during World War II. In 1948 her whole family packed up what they could and moved to the United States for a new start and settled in Roundup, Montana. Her father worked in the coal mines while her mother cared for the children and worked in and around Roundup. After settling into the western frontier, Karin began school but did not speak a word of English, a fellow student had heard from her parents that a new student from Norway will be starting school and in her class. This student made it her mission to watch over Karin and help her assimilate into the Montana life. Karin remained close to her through High School, and they stayed in touch through the years - Karin had stated that she was her best friend in life.

After graduating from high school, Karin moved to Dillon, MT to pursue a degree at what was then called Western Montana College. She achieved a master's in education and met her future husband, Martin R. Malesich. Karin, or "Mrs. Malesich", started her 26-year teaching career at Parkview Elementary School where she taught 2nd and 3rd grades. Karin absolutely loved being a teacher and had always stated that she was born to teach and that she truly loved all those kids; and it was exhibited with how her students succeeded in the classroom and ultimately how they also succeeded in life. Many of her former students stayed in touch with her through the years and mentioned she was their favorite teacher. Some of her students would even stop by her house for a visit just to tell Karin of their successes and credit their favorite teacher for instilling the desire to learn and to put it to use in their everyday lives.

Outside of her teaching career Karin was also very active in the Lutheran church and the Sons of Norway communities in Dillon. Karin and "Marty" eventually grew apart and ended their marriage in 1986 but remained friends through the years. Karin also helped at her mother's restaurant "Inga's" family dinner for many years. Karin was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother, impacting multiple generations with her love, endless compassion and generosity of spirit.

The last few years of her life were highly impacted by dementia due to the terrible disease of Alzheimer's; she lived her last few years in the Renaissance Senior Care facility. While there, she

continued to make close friendships with other residents and staff. The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff that provided such excellent care to Karin.

Karin was proceeded in death by her mother Ingaborg Van Urich and her father Einer Soyland (Sr). Her brother Einar Soyland (Jr), as well as her grandchildren Jonathan Hutton, Timothy Hutton, Kiko Miller, and Braydon Malesich; and nephew Shawn Soyland.

Karin is survived by siblings: Jorun Ruff and Johanas Soyland; her children: Sonya (Forrest) Miller, Mark (Krista) Malesich, and Ingrid Malesich; grandchildren Christine Hutton, Christina Miller, Keoni Miller, Marshal Malesich, Bryce Malesich, Jackson Malesich, and Hailey Malesich, as well as numerous friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

Karin is forever in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held in Dillon, MT on May 1st, 2026, at the Brundage Funeral Home. Viewing at 9 AM, Funeral at 10 AM, Graveside Service at 11 AM, and Reception at Mac’s Last Cast at 12 PM.