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Living in God's Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace Lutheran Church

Amazinggracealaska.org

Bio/Interview of Tyler Malotky - interview by Jamie Johnson

Tyler, where and when were you born?

I came into this world on August 19th, 1984. I was born in Payson, Utah, just out of Salt Lake City. Maybe that’s why I like to ski so much…My family traveled around a lot when I was just a little tike. My dad’s job took us from state to state like Kentucky, Utah, Michigan, Wisconsin, Maine, Minnesota, back to Wisconsin, and finally to stay in Minnesota in 1991. I remember 1991 because the Twins won the World Series that year. Go Twins!

Do you have any brothers and sisters? How many?

I have two amazing siblings that I enjoy hanging out with. My sister, Laura, is 22 and just graduated from college. She works at LA fitness as a membership sales manager. My brother, Braeden, is 10, and is in 5th grade. He works the basketball floor as a power forward on his 5th grade team.

Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I went to North Dakota State University, thee NDSU, or the home of the Bison. I graduated in 2007. I studied Horticulture/Golf Course Mgmt and also minored in Landscape Architecture. At that time I either wanted to go into golf course design or landscape design. I still enjoy landscaping and design. I had a great time making new friends, hanging out in Fargo, studying hard, dominating in intramural flag football, making memories, and of course…walking to class in -35 degree weather.

How did you and Katie meet?

It was both our freshman year at NDSU when it all began. We met outside our dorms at the sand volleyball courts. Tons of people would play volleyball after class; it was a good place to meet girls. Haha. You could always tell if Katie was around (she’s kinda crazy and loud in a good way). We started to hang out together with a big group of friends. I think Katie first liked me during a spring break mission trip with CRU to Panama City Beach, FL. I realized I liked her while riding the huge ferris wheel on Navy Pier during a trip to Chicago in the summer; I had that butterfly in the stomach feeling. When we got back to MN, we kissed for the first time and yes, fireworks went off and sparks flew.

What was your wedding like?

Perfect and crazy would be the best way to describe the wedding. It was October 18th, 2008 with fall colors on the trees and a cool, crisp fall air. From the groom’s dinner, bowling, and bonfire Friday night…to the golf tournament, ceremony, reception, and dance Saturday…it was an amazing time! Over 400 people attended the reception so that dance floor was hoppin! We had the ceremony at Katie’s church in Alexandria, MN. The reception was at Arrowwood Resort, a beautiful place right on the lake. And…Katie looked amazing too!

Have you been a life-long Lutheran?

Yep! I attended Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, MN all through middle school and high school. I have many great memories of high school trips and events. The best church youth trip in high school was a trip to Colorado to ski at Copper Mountain and Breckenridge Resort.

Where did you find God? Share your faith story.

God found me! The bible states that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And also “that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” I’ve always attended church with my family through middle school and high school. So my family and parents have had a great impact on my faith life. I’ve always had close friends that went to church, so that really helped my faith journey too. I didn’t really learn how to follow my faith and Jesus until college. I’m thankful to have had some adult mentors who guided me while at NDSU through Campus Crusade for Christ. Today I still find God and God finds me through music, nature and the outdoors, serving others, life’s many surprises, friends and family, worship, reading, and prayer.

Favorite holiday? Why?

Fourth of July or Christmas…I can’t decide. Both are great holidays to get together with friends and family and have a good time.

Favorite music groups?

I really enjoy Christian rock music but also many other kinds of music too. If I want to rock out hard I’ll listen to Kutless or Skillet. If I want some upbeat punk rock, I’ll listen to Hawk Nelson, Five Iron Frenzy, Relient K, or New Found Glory. If I want to get pumped up I’ll play some Toby Mac.

Dream vacation?

Katie and I have always wanted to travel to Tahiti. That place looks like paradise! White beaches, clear warm water, and bungalows…someday we’ll do it! If it was winter vacation, I’ve always wanted to go skiing at Whistler, BC or the Swiss Alps. How cool would that be?!!

Favorite place, so far, in Alaska?

That’s tough…I’m having a great time exploring. My favorite place so far is the being on the Russian and Kenai River in Cooper Landing. With huge mountains surrounding you, Bald Eagles, Brown and Black Bears, miles of wilderness around you, the sound of the river, and of course me wrestling some salmon to shore, you can’t beat that spot!