Della Emogene Malmin (Ferguson), age 99, formerly of Utica and Savage, died September 7, 2019 at Edenbrook in Rochester.

Della was born to John and Dora (Henry) Ferguson on September 11, 1919 in Saratoga Township, Winona County. She was the third oldest of nine children.

Della married Clair Malmin on March 20, 1939 at Central Methodist Church in Winona. They lived in Peterson until 1942 when they moved to Savage. This move was made because of WWII. Clair built ships for the Navy. In Savage they were members of St. James Lutheran Church. In 1985 they moved to Rochester and became members of Zumbro Lutheran Church. Della's great love for the elderly and children led her to help many starting with her younger brothers, sisters, and parents. She selflessly gave from her heart to help out, to listen, and to be there to care.

Della's grandmother, Emma Henry, taught Della to sew. In Della's teen years she avidly participated in 4H. Della won a trip to the University Farms for her talent in sewing. She continued sewing for her mother, daughters, nieces, and sister. Della also enjoyed photography and creating memory books. Della loved family, friends, writing letters, poems & stories, reading, nature walks, old time music, and dancing. She was always busy cooking, canning, and making the best cinnamon rolls in the woodstove. There was always company to enjoy.

Survivors include her two daughters, Donna Gallagher of Minneapolis and Judy (Spencer) Munkel of Rochester; grandchildren, Brian (Sara) Gallagher of Cokato and Shannon (Jim) Jacka of Bloomington; seven great-grandchildren, Spencer Chinelly and Blake Chinelly of Bloomington, Renee' (Gus) Jensen of Savage, Betsy Gallagher , Mick Gallagher, Damien Gallagher, and Maddy Gallagher of Cokato; sister, Doris (Merle) Bearden of Rochester; brothers, Stan (Susie) Ferguson of Winona and Gordon (Linda) Ferguson of St. Charles; sister-in-law, Darlene Ferguson of St. Charles; many nieces and nephews.

Della was preceded in death by her husband, Clair Malmin; two granddaughters, Natalie Gallagher and Renee' Jo Gallagher; son-in-law, Bairn Gallagher; parents, John and Dora Ferguson; sisters, Bernice Heim and Hazel Green; brothers, Orville Ferguson, Junior Ferguson, and Harold Ferguson.

The funeral service for Della will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2019 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester with Vern Christopherson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the River Park Chapel. Burial will be at Fremont Scottish Cemetery in Fremont, MN.

Memorials are suggested to Fremont Scottish Cemetery in Fremont, MN.