James E. "Jim" Malek

James E. “Jim” Malek, age 88 of Faribault, MN passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN following a sudden illness. 

James Edward, the son of Raymond and Elma (Edwards) Malek was born on March 21, 1936 in Estherville, IA. He attended Faribault High School and graduated with the class of 1955. Following high school Jim served in the U.S. Army. On May 31, 1975 he was united in marriage to Faith Striker in Faribault, MN. Jim was an over the road truck driver and owned his company, Jim Malek Trucking. Jim’s work would take him all over the country and he enjoyed the time on the road and the people he would meet. In his younger years Jim enjoyed playing baseball, hunting, trapshooting and go carting. He also played a Concertina and enjoyed all types of music. The Gideon’s were very important to Jim and he went on several mission trips over the years. Jim’s faith was very strong and he was an active member at River Valley Church participating in several small groups and helping as best he could. Most of all Jim enjoyed getting together with people to have coffee and breakfast and he seemed to have a group for every day of the week. He was a member of the American Legion Post 43 in Faribault.  

He is survived by his wife, Faith Malek; by his children, Jim Jr. (Stacey) Malek and children, Jacob and Courtney, Josef (Susan) Malek and son, Michael and stepchildren, Joel and Jessie Gudknecht, Karel (Jade) Malek and children, Chase and Chelsea, and Roseann “Rosie” Malek and by other relatives and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Jon Malek and grandson, Caleb Malek. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the River Valley Church in Faribault with Associate Pastor Leif Crooks officiating. Interment will be held at Meadow Ridge Memorial Park, Faribault, with military honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association. 

Visitation will be held at the church on Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

The family prefers that memorials be directed to The Gideons or the American Legion Post 43 in Faribault in memory of Jim.