Malpha Brevik was born in Fortier Township near the South Dakota border on June 27, 1909 to parents Ole and Marie (Olufson) Brevik. Malpha graduated from Canby High School as valedictorian in 1926 and from Canby Normal Dept. in 1927. Following four terms of country school teaching, she attended Moorhead State. Later she taught a country school three terms near Astoria, SD, six years in Taunton, MN, one year in New London, three years in Bellingham, and three years in Clinton, MN.
On June 18, 1949, Malpha was united in marriage to Ernest Martinson at St. Stephens Church in Canby, MN by Rev. Hove. They have made their home near Clinton, MN on a farm homestead by Ernest's grandfather in 1877.
Malpha was very active in the Trinity Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school for many years and led many Bible studies.
Malpha enjoyed her trips to Norway and the Holy Land. She was very proud of her Norwegian Heritage. Malpha kept her memories of her family and childhood experiences her entire life.
On January 26, 2005 Malpha passed away at Clinton Providence Center in Clinton, MN.
Malpha is survived by two nieces, Marilyn Boland of Carlinville, IL and Carol Lund of Redfield, SD; and one cousin, Helen Peterson of Volga, SD.
Preceded Malpha in death were her parents; her husband, Ernest Martinson; one sister, Bernice Lund; and two other siblings in infancy.