Ardven Malchow

Ardven B. Malchow, 89, of Colon, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026.

Born January 13, 1937, in Wahoo, Ardven was the son of Ben and Clara (Mumm) Malchow. He attended Mead High School, where he was active on the basketball team, and later attended Midland Lutheran College. He spent his life farming around Wahoo, Mead and Yutan, and was known for his hard work, love of the land and commitment to his community.

Ardven proudly served in the U.S. Army with the 18th Engineer Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood. After his service, he returned home to continue the farming life he loved.

On June 30, 1968, he married Kathryn Smith. Together they built a life centered on family, faith and farming.

For many years, Ardven bred thoroughbred race horses and was well known throughout the Nebraska and Iowa horse racing community.

He was a longtime member of Mead Evangelical Covenant Church, where he served on the church board and helped hang the church bell. He also served on the Morningside Cemetery Board, was an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a member of Hilltop Country Club, where he enjoyed playing cards with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Clara (Mumm) Malchow; his sister, Arvona (Malchow) Cleaver; and his wife, Kathryn (Smith) Malchow.

He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne and husband Allen Forkner of Lincoln; son Brett and wife Danielle Malchow of Hastings; and grandchildren Luke and Cora of Hastings.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, May 4 at Encounter Life Ministries in Mead. Visitation will be 5-7 pm Sunday at Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home. Interment with Military Funeral Honors will be at Morningside Cemetery in Mead.

Ardven will be remembered for his devotion to family, his love of farming and horses, and the friendships he built over a lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family for designation to the causes Ardven loved and supported.