Jerome Malecha

Jerome (Chip) Malecha, age 86, of Faribault, died on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at his home.   Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault, with Fr. Kevin Finnegan, pastor, officiating. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Lonsdale.   Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday for one hour prior to the services. The rosary will be recited on Friday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.   Jerome (Chip) Malecha, the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Skluzacek) Malecha, was on born on April 28, 1923 on the family farm just north of Little Chicago, MN. He was united in marriage to Leatrice K. (Edel) on June 16, 1947 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, MN. They farmed near Little Chicago, Rice County, MN until they moved in 1958. Jerome then went to work at Sellner Manufacturing building Tilt-A-Whirl amusement rides for 17 years. Jerome then worked for United & Children's Hospital in St. Paul, MN for 14 years. He was a member of the Faribault Council 889 Knights of Columbus holding the position of Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator and also 4th Degree Assembly #525. He was also a member of the Faribault Aerie 1460, Fraternal Order of Eagles. Jerome loved to travel the country on vacation with his family always by car to see the sights. He also enjoyed playing cards and loved to have time around his family.   He is survived by his wife, Leatrice K. Malecha of Faribault; four children, Luverne (Carla) Malecha of Faribault, Lyle (Christine) Malecha of Prior Lake, Lynne (Jeff) Graves of Faribault, and Lisa (Eric) Creger of Burnsville; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; three infant children, Linda Ann Malecha and a son and daughter in infancy; by 11 siblings, Elizabeth Kotavy, Tom Malecha, Mary Barta, Ludwig Malecha, Marcella Valek, Frank, Joe F.C., John, Jim and Martin Malecha and Anna Andreas.