Seth Joseph Malinski
July 7, 1980 - February 9, 2024
Seth Joseph Malinski, a dedicated husband, father, dog-dad, friend, and accomplished former Deputy U.S. Marshal, passed away tragically on February 9, 2024. Born on July 7, 1980, in New Prague, MN, Seth was the beloved son of John Malinski and Colleen Simon. He married Alexandra Hart on August 17, 2022. Seth leaves behind his loving wife, cherished daughter Evelyn, and baby boy due in August.
Seth’s early years were spent making core family memories and developing as an athlete and outdoorsman. Whether it was a simple sleepover at Grandma’s, working alongside his Grandpa on the farm or casting a line at the cabin, Seth was shaped by time spent with his parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Seth was a natural athlete with a love for sports and his character and work ethic shined especially bright on the wrestling mat. As Seth grew up, his love for the natural world deepened. Together with friends and loved ones, Seth’s hunting and fishing adventures took him to Canada, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado and spent countless hours on the lakes of Minnesota especially Cedar Lake, Lake Mille Lacs, Upper Red Lake and Rainy Lake.
Seth earned a B.A. in Law Enforcement, M.A. in Criminal Justice, and a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in Deviance and Social Organizations. After teaching at South Dakota State University, he transitioned from academia to federal service.
Seth’s professional life included 13 years as a Deputy U.S. Marshal in offices across the country. His call to service led him to support many different missions and task forces but he found his greatest purpose and pride in his role as Tactical Training Officer, where he was able to engage his passion for teaching. Seth also spent two years with Homeland Security where he conducted International Joint Terrorism Task Force Missions and International Intelligence. Seth's commitment to service extended beyond his official duties, as evidenced by his volunteer work with the Red Cross. In 2024, Seth and Alex founded Orion Security Solutions and they were excited to be building a business together.
Outside of his professional life, Seth was an avid outdoorsman. He found great joy in fishing, hunting with his many friends, and teaching his daughter a love of the outdoors. Seth loved baseball and was a devoted Minnesota Twins fan. There was not a storyline in Star Wars that Seth did not have memorized.
Seth was a hard-working, accomplished individual who was busy building a life with his family. Seth and Alex recently remodeled their first home together, and purchased their dream property where they were planning a new build for their growing family. While he was motivated by chasing big dreams, his happiest moments were the simple ones spent with his wife—dancing in the kitchen, cooking (especially making and smoking meat), graciously losing to Alex in Connect 4 and Battleship, summer days spent on the Waconia Wiggler (duck-boat turned fishing-boat), long car rides listening to music, and playing the initials game together every Friday morning on KFAN.
Seth's untimely passing leaves an irreparable void in the lives of those who loved him, and his legacy of service and unconditional care for others will live on through the lives that he touched.
He is survived by his adoring wife Alexandra Malinski of Waconia, daughter Evelyn Malinski of Mahtomedi, baby boy due in August, parents John (Patti) Malinski of Webster, Colleen (Peter) Russell of Duluth, parents in-law Leigh and Tammy Hart of Eden Prairie, sister Katie (Josh) O’Kane of Minnetonka, twin brother Simon (Jessica) Malinski of Waconia, brother-in-law Jack Hart of LeSueur, sister-in-law Emmy (Blake) Gauer of Victoria, many nieces and nephews, and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. A visitation will precede the service only on Thursday, February 22, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Bruzek Funeral Home. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider honoring Seth through supporting the Duck Cup Memorial. Duckcupmemorial.org
I had the honor of working with Seth in SNY He was always a very reliable detail oriented Deputy Marshal who had a knack for working complex fugitive cases. I am extremely saddened to hear of his untimely passing and would like to offer my sincere condolences to Seth’s friends and family at this very unfortunate and tragic time. RIP Seth you will be missed.
May Seth RIP! I was a Supervisor in Manhattan,NY while Seth was a Deputy US Marshal in our office. I want to comment that he was an outstanding Deputy , very smart and didn’t need any Supervision when assigned to complete a task. I am saddened to hear of his passing. May your family know that he excelled in NYC and was a go to guy when something needed to get done and done well.
I had the privilege of hiking with Seth in the Crazy Mountains in Montana in 2014. Here is a shot of Seth at the pass above Grasshopper Glacier. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Upon reading Seth’s story, I was impressed with his service to our country and justice. As a Former USAFR nurse, I understand the sacrifices of duty to our country. John and Colleen must be very proud of their son. What a tragedy! Prayers to the family.
We are so sorry and grieve with you over the loss of your son. We too, are acquainted with that tragic loss when we lost our 3 daughters on the way to their big brothers wedding 20 years ago. Our hearts ache for you and know the deep pain of child loss. But please know we are praying that you sense Gods nearness and the comfort of His powerful love as He grieves with you.
Sincerely,
Joe (John’s cousin) & Debbie Mayer❤️
Noah and I are going to miss your humor and outgoing attitude when you come out deer hunting fly high rip seth