Ellard Malecha

Ellard W. Malecha, age 75, of Faribault, passed away suddenly on Friday, December 31, 2010 at his home.   Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick in Shieldsville (7525 Dodd Rd, Faribault), with Fr. Kevin Finnegan, officiating. Interment will be at the St. Patrick's Cemetery in Shieldsville, with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association.   Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Tuesday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday for one hour prior to the services at the church.   Ellard Wenceslaus Malecha, the son of Edward F. and Bessie (Dvorak) Malecha, was born on September 28, 1935 in Northfield, MN. He graduated from Northfield High School with the class of 1954 and then served in the U.S. Army. He married Josephine Malecha on May 14, 1958 at the Church of Annunciation in Hazelwood. Ellard worked at the Webster Creamery hauling milk for his brother Raymond. He then worked as a welder for Trinity Steele in Northfield until 1965, when he started his career with the Boilermaker Union. His work as a certified welder with the Union took him to many jobs throughout the United States until his retirement. Ellard was a member of the American Legion Post 43, Faribault Aerie 1460 Fraternal Order of Eagles, Northfield Council 1516 Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Workman. He and Josephine lived in Webster, Lake Mazaska, and Faribault.   He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Josephine Malecha of Faribault; six children, Curtis (Lisa) Malecha of Fergus Falls, MN, Carmon (Kris) Malecha of New Prague, Connie (Philip) Denny of Minneapolis, Steven Malecha of Cannon Falls, Bruce (Gina) Malecha of Faribault, and Bradley Malecha (friend Denise) of Montgomery; 25 grandchildren; 4 great granddaughters; brother, Melvin (Inez) Malecha of Northfield; sister-in-law, Julia Malecha of West Bend, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raymond Malecha; and a brother in infancy.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the donor's choice in memory of Ellard.