Vivian Malsam

Vivian K. Malsam, 88, of Aberdeen, SD, formerly of Bowdle, SD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

Vivian Katherine Thomas was born on July 5, 1937, to Adam and Jennie (Malsom) Thomas in Bowdle, SD. She grew up on the family farm north of Bowdle. Vivian attended country school in Bowdle through eighth grade; however, she was unable to attend high school because she needed to help on the farm. She earned her GED in 1980.

Vivian married Wilbert Malsam on June 16, 1958, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Bowdle. Together they began their life together farming in the Hosmer area. They quit farming in 1970 and established Malsam Construction, specializing in building gravel roads. In 1991, they moved to Bowdle, where they continued the construction operation. Wilbert and Vivian worked side by side until 1998, when Wilbert's health began to deteriorate. Wilbert passed away on April 2, 2002, and Vivian continued to make Bowdle her home until 2014, when she moved to Aberdeen. Vivian did several odd jobs until 2020, when she retired.

Vivan was a devout Catholic who was deeply involved with many aspects of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hosmer and later at St Augustine Catholic Church in Bowdle. She was a dedicated member of the altar society, helped print bulletins, washed and ironed the priests' vestments, cleaned the church, served as an eucharistic minister, and assisted with numerous fall meals and funeral luncheons.

She had many hobbies, including baking, gardening, and crocheting. She crocheted a special afghan for every grandchild. Vivian also enjoyed puzzles, shopping, walking, and riding her bicycle! Her caring presence and witty sense of humor will be deeply missed.

Vivian is survived by her seven children: four sons: Melvin (Vania) Malsam, Marvin Malsam, Wayne (Anita) Malsam, and David (Jolene) Malsam; three daughters: Margaret (Doug) Schmidt, Julieann (Steven) Dayton, and Carolee (Bryan) Owens; sisters Berniece Mohr, Del (Bruce) Huber, Pauline (Ernie) Mertz and Sr. Mary Thomas; and one brother Norbert (Cathy) Thomas; 10 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Adam and Jennie; husband, Wilbert; and brothers Donald Thomas and Joseph Thomas.