Ralph T. Malmgren

CENTER TUFTONBORO, N.H. Ralph T. Malmgren, 86, of Center Tuftonboro, N.H., died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007, after a brief illness. He was the husband, for 59 years, of the late Jean (Chamberlin) Malmgren. Mr. Malmgren was born in Sweden, the son of Henry and Rose Malmgren. As a young child he moved to Waltham, and graduated from Waltham High School, Class of 1939. He served our country in the 110th cavalry (Massachusetts National Guard), which was converted to artillery and was eventually assigned to the 26th division which became the 626th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He landed in England on June 12, 1944, arrived in France on Omaha beach, and was attached to the 28th division. He was in the Hurtgen Forest when the Battle of the Bulge commenced. He served in northern France, Normandy, Ardennes, the Rhineland, and central Europe. He received the European-African-Middle-Eastern Ribbon with five Bronze stars, the American Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received on April 16, 1945, in the area of Dusseldorf, Germany. He attained the rank of staff sergeant and he took part in the liberation of Paris and paraded down the Champs-Elysees. After discharge he married Jean, and together they owned and operated Barbara Jeans Candy and Ice Cream Store in West Newton for 35 years. After retirement in 1973, they moved to New Hampshire, settling in Center Tuftonboro. Mr. Malmgren was an avid stamp collector. Ralph and Jean enjoyed many years of traveling through Maine, New Hampshire and Nova Scotia. He had also enjoyed bowling. He was a member of the Wolfeboro Historical Society. Mr. Malmgren was the brother of Paul Malmgren of Palm Harbor, Fla., and the late Richard and Harold Malmgren. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins, including Eleanor Brodrick of Waltham. He also leaves many good friends including Nancy, Jim and Katie Thomas of Alton, N.H. A memorial service will be held at the Tuftonboro United Methodist Church on Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Townhouse Cemetery, Tuftonboro. The Baker-Gagne Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wolfeboro, NH is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to VNA, Wolfeboro, or the Wolfeboro Historical Society.