David Francis Malecha

David F. Malecha, age 83 of Faribault, MN passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his family following an extended illness.

David (Dave) Francis, the son of Frank and Lillian (Valek) Malecha, was born on August 1, 1941 in Northfield, MN. He attended Northfield High School. On October 20, 1962 he was united in marriage to Rita Rose Jirak at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lonsdale, MN. Dave then served in the U.S. Army. Following his honorable discharge Dave returned and continued his farming career. Dave and Rita would venture into the motel business, starting the East Gate Motel in East Grand Forks, MN and later the Days Inn in Burnsville, MN. In retirement Dave enjoyed fishing, gardening and developed a passion for woodworking. He made many different items in his woodshop including tables, bowls, beds, dressers, Adirondack chairs, and various other items. All of which are considered “treasures” by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rita Malecha; by his children, Brian (Lori) Malecha, Brad (Pamela) Malecha, Pam (Mark) Canedy and Kim (Danny) DuPay; by 13 grandchildren, Stacy (Jim) Kowitz, Heather (Darin) Schneider, Tyler (Bailey) Malecha, Brianna (Thomas) Zenk, Brandon (Lindsey) Canedy, Logan (Lexi) Canedy, Carson Canedy (Kate), Jordan Canedy (Courtney), Brittany (Aldon) Severson, Bailey (Conner) Malecha, Brayden DuPay, Chance (Samantha) DeGroff and Channing (Joe) Warcholak; by 12 great grandchildren, Ella and Nora Kowitz, Harper and Landry Schneider, Wayne Malecha, Guinevere and Laniece Canedy, Leo and Luci Canedy, Charlie Severson and Summer and Beckham Malecha; by his siblings, Dorothy Pumper, Adeline Malecha, Sr. Francette Malecha, Jane Shriver, Judy Voracek, Larry (Mary) Malecha and Francis “Butch” (Barb) Malecha; by three sister-in-law, Carol Malecha, Phyllis Malecha, Rosie Jirak and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Mike Malecha and brothers-in-law; Joe Pumper, Joe Pesta, George Voracek, Ray T Malecha, Tom Shriver, Ed Jirak, and Myles Malecha.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory in Faribault with Bernadette Tatge, Pastoral Minister officiating. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Lonsdale, MN.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and on Monday morning for one hour prior to services.

For online tributes and complete obituary visit www.ParkerKohlFH.com.