David Christopher Maland

David Christopher Maland (Chris) died in the line of duty on January 20, 2025, in Vermont, while serving his country as a Customs and Border Patrol Agent. He was 44 years old. Chris was a dedicated agent who served with honor and bravery. He had a tremendous respect and pride for the work he did: he truly embodied service over self.

Chris was born on February 19, 1980, to his parents David Carroll Maland and Nona Lynn Maland (Wagner) in Blue Earth, MN. He has one brother, Jacob Wagner Maland. Chris graduated from Fairmont High School in 1999 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in June of that year. Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Metropolitan State University in 2012.

While in the Air Force Chris served for six years as a Security Forces Journeyman. He received many awards and honors, including the Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the NATO medal.

Chris moved to serve through the State Department and was recently honored for 15 years of service with the Federal Government. While with the State Department, he was a K9 handler with his canine partner, Ben serving executives in the U.S. Government. In 2001, Chris’ served his country at the Pentagon as active security on 9/11.

After completing the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, he was stationed in Texas as a Border Patrol Agent. He served there for two years. In 2019 he transferred to Newport, Vermont, where he served again as a Border Patrol Agent, K9 Agent and a member of the Mobile Response Team. Throughout his career he was an exceptional professional.

Chris is survived by his father, David Maland (Rhonda); his mother, Nona Larson (Tom); brother, Jacob Maland (Tara); nephews, Ryker, and Jace; niece, Hailey; and his fiancée, Rosanne Frechette and family; uncles and aunts, Portia Brandsoy (Dale), Chuck Maland (Nancy), Beth Brill (Elizabeth), Joan Mussa (Mohammed), Jane Maland Cady (Dan), Paula Wood (Steven), Loren Wagner and Darin Wagner (Eva); cousins, Krista, Mara, Anna, Michael, JT, Matthew, Charles, Joshua, Grace, Sara, Maiya, Anya, Jack, Cassia, Stephanie, Brandon, Krista, Emily, Mason, Ashley and Kurtis.

Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harlan Aldeen Maland (1922-1992), Dorothy Maude Maland (Black) (1926-2024), Albert Paul Wagner (1925-2013), and Barbara Ann Wagner (Roe) (1933-1994).

Chris loved the outdoors and was an avid camper, hiker, hunter and mountain and rock climber.

David Christopher Maland proudly served his country and leaves behind a legacy of honor and sacrifice. We are heartbroken to say goodbye.

Visitation will be held at Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel in Richfield, MN from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturday, February 22, 2025. At 1:00 PM David Christopher Maland will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military honors.