Kenneth W. Malueg

Kenneth W. Malueg, Sr.

April 19, 1938 – December 4, 2024

Kenneth W. Malueg, Sr., a research aquatic biologist, died December 4, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. He was 86. 

He was born April 19, 1938 in Appleton, Wisconsin to John F. and Rose M. Malueg. He graduated from Appleton High School in 1956 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1960. He received an MS degree in Zoology-Botany in 1963 and a doctorate in Zoology (Limnology) in 1966, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His PhD research was conducted at the Laboratory of Limnology and was supported in part by grants from the Atomic Energy Commission.

After graduating, he accepted a position with the Federal Water Pollution Control Agency, Pacific NW Water Laboratory in Corvallis, later the US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory.

During his career with the Federal government, he served as a limnologist, studying the effect of impoundments on water quality. He served as Chief, Nutrient Control Section of the National Eutrophication Research Program, investigating technology to limit nutrients available for aquatic plant production. He also served as Chief, Lake Restoration Section, developing and demonstrating procedures to restore eutrophic waters.

He was chosen by the USEPA to serve as technical leader at international meetings of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in France for 1971-74. Throughout his tenure at the Corvallis laboratory, he was sent to Canada, Poland, USSR, Germany, Sweden, and France to present formal scientific talks at international meetings. He was author or co-author of more than 40 scientific publications in his area of expertise. In addition, he served as USEPA project representative on more than 50 extramural research grants and contracts. Dr. Malueg received EPA awards for Special Achievement.

Ken was an avid outdoorsman. He loved clamming and crabbing at the beach, fishing and camping at high mountain lakes, and hunting all around Oregon. Gardening grew as a passion throughout his life and Ken would often spend hours working his backyard vegetables beds and for many years also cared for a community garden plot in Corvallis. 

Ken was very proud of his kids and grandkids. Many of his favorite times were hunting with son Ken Jr or visiting daughter Deb and her family in California. He would tirelessly root on his kids and grandkids at their many athletic events – including track and field, swimming, volleyball, and lacrosse. He enjoyed travel and was able to accompany family on trips to Hawaii, Canada, and Fiji. Sally and Ken also liked to get away for long weekends to the Oregon Coast and the Oregon Cascades. 

Everyone who knew Ken remarked at his curiosity and love of learning. He would ask anyone and everyone questions to learn more about them. He loved to read and along with Sally spent many hours collecting antiques for their home in Corvallis - Copper Lustre, Antique Flat Irons, and turn of the century farm equipment were some of their favorites. 

Survivors include wife Sara Ellen (Sally) Malueg, whom he met at a New Year’s Eve party in 1962 and married in 1964; son Kenneth W. Malueg, Jr., his wife Kieley and their two children Katherine (Katie) and Timothy (Tim); daughter Deborah Lynn Barnds and her husband Thomas Barnds and their four children Thomas Jr. (Tommy), William (Billy), Laura, and John. Ken was predeceased by his parents John F. and Rose M. Malueg and his sister Betty Wolfgram.

A funeral service will be held at a later date. Gethsemani Funeral Home is in charge of burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kenneth W. Malueg Limnology Scholarship Fund at the University of Wisconsin Laboratory of Limnology (Foundation).

 http://supportuw.org/giveto/MaluegScholarship