Michael Joseph Mallinger was born at Mercy Hospital, Fort Dodge, Iowa on November 14, 1940 to Thomas and Eloise Mallinger. He grew up on a farm seven miles east of Fort Dodge. Mike graduated from St. Edmond Catholic School in 1958 and received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Semiconductor Physics from Iowa State University (ISU) in 1966. While at ISU, he joined the Triangle Fraternity for engineers, architects and scientists.

Mike moved to California shortly after graduation and worked for several companies including Fairchild, Acrian, GHz Technology, Advanced Power Technology and Microsemi. Over his 40+ year career he became a seasoned marketing executive within RF/ microwave power transistor segment, supporting major users within selected market segments. Mike was a founder of semiconductor manufacturers which focused on specialized markets requiring highly technical interface with systems developers.

Mike was united in marriage to Jenik Esrailian in Mountain View, California on February 10, 1973. Mike and Jenik became the parents of two children, Michelle and Greg. He is survived by his wife, Jenik Mallinger of San Diego; children Michelle Mallinger (Harm) of Haarlem, Netherlands and Greg Mallinger of San Diego; grandchildren Michaël and Lucien and siblings Marylin Garris, Diane Easley, Sheila O'Hern and Mark Mallinger. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Helen Arndorfer and Pat Milefchik, and brother-in-law Bob Easley.

Mike very much enjoyed fixing things around the house and sitting in the hot tub, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Mike and Jenik loved to travel with their kids and grandkids. Their most memorable trips included a visit to the Grand Canyon, a one-month European road trip, a two-week stay in Portugal during Euro 2004 and a week visit to Lago Maggiore in Italy.