Date of Death: September 25, 2023
Service Details
A Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home in Three Rivers, and the Funeral celebrating his magnificent life will be held Saturday September 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Church also in Three Rivers. He will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.
This is a free event honoring a spectacular human being. Following the service, the family will host an Ice Cream Social but in the event you cannot attend, we would appreciate you doing something like eating ice cream or drinking wine to celebrate and honor Bud’s life.
Obituary Notice
Murray Zane (Bud) Malinoski Jr., The Family Man Extraordinaire, and a Super Dentist of Amazing Skill, a gregarious guy from Three Rivers MI, passed away on September 25, 2023 at the age of 72 with his family by his side.
His passing was timely as he chose to Graduate this life on his beloved wife’s 60th birthday, and will forever link them even tighter than most couples.
Bud is survived by his smokin’ hot wife Pam, his favorite son Ryan (Lisa), his favorite daughter Holly (Travis Trapp) and his adorable grandson Maverick Zane Trapp. He is also survived by brothers M. Charles Malinoski and Merl (Debbie) Malinoski, Parents-in-love John & Verna Kruse, sisters-in-love Lynn Page (Randy) and Julie Kruse, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves to cherish his piano playing, storytelling, and boat driving memory to a very large, loud and fun-loving extended family who will miss their summer gatherings on Corey Lake.
He is preceded in death by many, including his parents Murray Zane and Louise (VanderVeen) Malinoski Sr.
He was a talented dentist and if you didn’t believe it, he would tell you so himself. He had a gift of gab just like all dentists do and could decipher any language while his hand was in your mouth. He loved wines and fine dining, traveling, his Corvette, any kind of ice cream, MSU Spartans, the family cats, all of his patients who now see his daughter & SIL, his family, and Jesus, not necessarily in that order. Once he reached the Pearly Gates, he said he had a list of questions needing answers from the Heavenly Hosts.
Bud earned his bachelor of science in mathematics and physics from Grand Valley State University in 1973, his master of arts from Michigan State University in 1980, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit in 1983, en route to private practice in general dentistry in Three Rivers from 1983-2022. He was proud to be a member of the Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society, the Michigan Dental Association, the American Dental Association, a Michigan Dental Association (MDA) Region XII Trustee, and his Fellowships in the Academy of General Dentistry, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists. He received “People’s Choice Dentist” in Three Rivers Commercial-News balloting multiple times since 1993.
His significant community involvement included Glen Oaks Community College Foundation trustee, Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, Three Rivers Community Players, Three Rivers Rotary Club, Three Rivers Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County treasurer, Three Rivers Health Advisory Board, and Three Rivers Health Foundation.
Additional Information
In lieu of flowers, you may send a donation to the ALS Association Michigan Chapter, The Susan Mast ALS Foundation, Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County or you may pray the MSU Spartans have winning football and basketball seasons. Any or all of those would make him happy.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Bud and I grew up a few houses apart and spent our childhood playing baseball and hanging out with each other daily. We were best friends and maintained contact as his birthday was exactly 6 months after mine. He was always kind, intelligent, and a great guy to grow up with. I will always miss him and truly devastated to see he passed, He had a wonderful life 😪
Dr. Bud was my dentist when I was a kid. Great guy. Great energy. Truly one of a kind. He will be missed. RIP.
I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Bud’s passing, but praising God that he is safely home in heaven, his eternal home! The loss of your husband and father must still be painful, but prayerfully, one day you will all reunite in glory with him and Jesus! What a wonderful day that will be!
So very sorry Pam and family. My heart hearts for you.
Dear Pam, Ryan, and Holly,
My heart and prayers go out to all of you during this time. I appreciate all that ALS can take from you. May you memories help to ease the loss.
To Pam and family, I am sorry for your loss. In reading Dr. Bud’s obituary I was struck by the fact that his life was a life of great adventures. Dr. Malcolm even carved him a dental character for his office-hanging tooth and all. I still remember the story Dr. Bud told me (on a dental visit while waiting for my filling to harden) of singing with Prince at a concert. I would like to think of Dr. Bud as a member of the greatest choir hitting the high notes and singing “Purple Rain”.
An incredible Dentist and human being. I will cherish our many chats. My sincere condolences to you all during this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to Pam and the family.
I first met Bud at Presbyterian church shortly after he came to Three Rivers to begin his dental practice. We quickly became good friends. He started small and gradually developed a prime dental practice in the area.
The first time he had me in the dental chair I realized he was caring person. He decided I needed something done to a tooth. He prepared to numb it up, I told him I didn’t need that, I hadn’t had it before. He was surprised, then he said let me do it to make me feel better.
I hadn’t seen him for quite awhile. Then I stared hearing rumors about him being frail and using a cane, of course that troubled me. Then he was in the care facility. I called him to get the rest of the story. I got the rest of the story, it was very disheartening. However he was in great spirits. He told of some meds he was taking that he thought were improving movement in his right hand. He showed me the slight movement.
He told that it would be a miracle if he survived, if he did he wanted to be a minister. That would certainly fit his personality.
As we talked I asked him how long we have been friends, he said over 30 years. I reminded him that Andy was 5 when we met. He is now 46.
I regret not calling him more and going to see him regularly. I had no idea he would pass so soon.
So the lesson we all should learn is care about your friends, especially those that are not healthy.
Rest In Peace Bud.
David
I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Bud’s passing. I took my very elderly mother to him a few times after her long-time dentist retired, and Dr. Bud was so kind and gentle with her. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Always smiling and always positive…..that was Dr. Bud. Love and prayers to Pam, his family and many many friends.
Bud was a great neighbor here at Corey Lake. He is surely missed in the neighborhood. Safe travels Bud. The Gillard Family.
Bud added joy to the Three Rivers community through his upbeat attitude and willingness to serve others. My condolences to his family. He truly was a good man!
It is so difficult to lose a close friend and colleague like Bud. I’ve known him since the beginning of our dental careers in the area. Not only was he one of the best clinical dentists, but he was well-loved by his patients. In addition, I don’t know many who have done more for dentistry as a profession and service. He worked tirelessly for the Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society and Michigan Dental Association. He was honored locally with our organizations highest honors: Dan Ganz Award (early in his career) and the Edgar Honey Award. He served as our President and our Trustee to the MDA. His contributions to his community were also substantial as well. Beyond that, Bud was the epitome of what a gentleman and professional should be, yet he was fun-loving and nurtured a loving family, too. Bud will be sorely missed by family, friends, patients, and colleagues alike. Rest well my brother . . .
Sorry to hear this. I graduated dental school with Bud in ‘83 from U of D. I believe he took over for Dr Tironi who was my dentist growing up. From the responses in the comments he was very well respected. Well done my friend.
Bud you are so missed. I will always remember your huge smile the last time I saw you. You were on a float in the parade and I saw Pam with Ruby and you were a short distance behind. You were so happy seeing everyone. You waved like the happiest guy in the world and that smile lit up the town. You were the first dentist my son trusted and when I let him know of your passing he hugged me and said “mom I miss him already”. I hugged him tighter and said “me too”. I will say my goodbyes on Friday because unfortunately I have to work Saturday but I promise I will have a bowl of ice cream with dessert Saturday and a glass of wine before bed. I want a hug when we meet again.
Bud was a great man with an infectious smile!
Happy for his life always and more for his family and friends. His greatness will never be forgotten by many. May his soul RIP 🙏
So sorry for your loss my heart goes out to you all! 🍷cheers to you Bud!
Dr. Bud was the best dentist but also such a great person. So sad to hear this news. I can remember him always saying, “Well hi there beautiful!” And always wanting to take my wisdom teeth out 😆 the community will miss him!! Condolences to his family.
Pam, wishing you and your entire family comfort and love through your many special memories of Bud. Thinking of you.
It was always enjoyable to sit and talk to Bud about an array of topics. His incredible knowledge was truly amazing and his answers to questions were phenomenal. Loving Pam and his family was first and foremost. I will miss our conversations. Rest in peace Bud. May Pam and all his family have solice in knowing he will be watching over them, especially Ruby.
I am so sorry to hear about the best dentist. He called my family part of his family. I remember having a broken tooth on the 4th of July. He came into the office and brought his son and took care of the tooth. Anyone who knows me knows I do not like going to the dentist. I loved seeing Dr. Bud. He always asked about my family and said to tell them hi. What a great man and dentist who will be missed. I always asked when I went to the office is Dr. Bud here. I love to see him and chat. Know that Pam and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to drive from Mattawan to Three Rivers to his office.
Pam and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. I pray you find peace and comfort in his memory. He was truely an amazing man!
We will miss Dr.Bud or uncle Bud as our children know him. Our children have never had another dentist and now they get to see Dr.Holly and Dr.Travis who we LOVE. We are so sorry for your loss, heaven gained an amazing angel.
Pam, I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Bud was such a kind man. I enjoyed his company while photographing. He will be dearly missed. Hugs to you.
So very sorry Pam, Ryan, Holly and family…Bud was such a kind soul, with so much love for his family first, and community. I am grateful I was able to be a part of his life on most days of the week for many years on his lunch break, as he (and Pam) always prioritized health! Being a personal trainer to him was much more, he was a dear friend and I enjoyed seeing how he beamed of pride when he spoke of his children and many adventures with Pam. Sending love and hugs!
Bud was truly one of a kind; always smiling and happy. I never saw him happier than when he spoke of his beautiful family. I am grateful and honored to have known him. May his memory be a blessing. ❤️
Pam – although I did not have the pleasure of knowing your Bud, he sounds like one heck of a person with a great sense of humor, lived a wonderful life and leaves quite the legacy. I’m sure he is sorely missed. You and your family are in my thoughts.
As an honorary family member, I always enjoyed Bud’s sense of humor, kindness, grace, and avid fandom for Michigan State. His gentle manner and ready smile are among my most treasured memories of him. May God’s peace and comfort enfold your family. Love you all!
DR.BUD MALINOSKI will be deeply missed. Great family man. Great buisness man. Was my dentist for 10 years and Great place and family friendly owned. ❤️
My thoughts and prayers to the Malinoski family. Many blessings to the family. May God greet you at the gates with a big hug my friend will be truly missed . And a happy courageous and funny man. Mr Blue Corvette Man. I’ll never forget when he greeted me at the office and he always was super nice and very caring. Wholesome man.
Great family and great kids.
May God bless you and the Malinoski family. Forever in our thoughts and prayers.
From the MIDDLETONS:)Brandon,Bud,steven
Katie,Ava,Charlotte,Bella
To Pam, Holly and Ryan, I am so sorry for your loss. Pam, you have been cherished by a loving man, who gave back to our community.
Pam & family- We are so sorry for your loss and hope you find some peace & comfort knowing he is dancing in Heaven above; no pain, no sadness, no struggles. What a touching obituary. Even in death, he makes everyone smile. Pam, we hope to still see you racing Ruby, in Bud’s honor, continuing to make him proud. Sending you love, hugs & prayers.
Sincere condolences to the entire family.
Dr. Bud was one of a kind. He touched many lives during his time on this earth. Dr. Bud was my dentist and a former parent of Immaculate Conception, but to those who loved him, he was so much more. May Pam and his entire family be comforted during this difficult time of loss.
Dr. Bud was my dentist ever since he took over his practice from Dr. Malcolm many years ago. Even after I moved from the area in the late 70″s, I would drive back so that Dr. Bud would continue to be my dentist. He was a wonderful dentist and man who always put the welfare of his patients first. He has left his practice in very capable hands but he will be missed.
May God bring comfort to his family at this most difficult time.
Bud was a great dentist and a very special man. Sending love and prayers to Pam and all of the family. Julie and Allen Beal, Arivaca, AZ.
My deepest condolences to Pam and the entire family. Dr.Bud was a fantastic, caring dentist to his patients. A real joy to visit with during our appointment. I remember the light and love in his eyes when he and Pam dated and later married. And that light remained throughout their life together. Blessings and love to you Pam and the family. Cherish your memories, as they will be your greatest comfort.
Dr. Bud was simply amazing. I always appreciated going into his office and never feeling like “just another” patient. He had a way to make you feel that you were the ONLY patient. I also appreciated his general concern for my well being, my family and just life itself. A great man. I am so glad to have known him.
Bud was a good man, sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends. Rest In Peace Bud.
Dearest Pam and family
I’m so sorry to learn about the loss of Bud. So sad U2 had no chance to travel and live in your retirement. He was taken way too soon. My heart breaks for you all. Sending my deepest condolences.
I am sorry to hear my old friend, Dr. Bud passed away.
Nice man and best dentist . ❤️
Very sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. My condolences to family and friends. As kids we hung out together and participated in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.