Francis Malecha, 90
Francis Joseph Malecha, 90, of Northfield, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 22, 2010, at the Northfield Hospital.
Francis was born April 6, 1920, on the farm at Lonsdale, a son of Frank K. and Josephine (Sticha) Malecha. He attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Lonsdale. After his education, he continued to work on the family farm. He married Julia Ann Sticha on September 26, 1944, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. They bought a farm at Hazelwood and Fritz also worked heavy construction for a number of years with the J.V. Gleason Company. In 1975, they moved to Northfield and Fritz worked for the Northfield Street Department until retiring in December 1983. He was a member of the Church of St. Dominic and the Lonsdale Catholic Workmen. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, golfing, traveling and was an avid euchre player. He also enjoyed music and playing the accordion (once having his own band, The Merry Makers. He loved life, and his greatest joy came from spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years; children Patricia (Leo) Pink, Shakopee, Carol, Kasson, John, Northfield, Ernie (Elaine), Northfield and Barbara (Mark) Ross, Lonsdale; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother Norbert (June), Morristown; a sister Margie Edel, Faribault; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by son-in-law Michael Malecha; his parents; and two sisters Eleanore Kajer and Mary Alice Green.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 26, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield, with Rev. Dennis Dempsey officiating.
Interment was at the Annunciation Catholic Cemetery at Hazelwood. Casket- bearers were Ernie Malecha, Jeff Malecha, Jerry Malecha, John Malecha, Tracy Pink, Brian Ross and Mark Ross. Honorary pallbearers were Kris Horan, Lynn Stowell, Karla Swenke, Angie Klotz, Jenny Malecha, Carrie Malecha, Missy Windschitl, Ashley Ross and Kelsey Ross.
Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. Visitation continued at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the funeral.
