Wilma Malecha, 89

Wilma Veronica Kovarik Malecha was born November 12, 1922, on a farm in Latona Township, Walsh County, North Dakota, to William and Anna (Stejskal) Kovarik and was baptized at the Catholic Church in the nearby town of Lankin.  Before her birth, her father died, and as an infant she moved with her mother and brother to her grandparent’s farm west of New Market.  She attended school and was confirmed at St. Nikolas Catholic Church in New Market.  After her education she worked on the farm.  She married Martin L. Malecha on November 9, 1942, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lonsdale.  After married they farmed at Little Chicago with his parents.  In 1950, they bought their farm at Little Chicago.  During the mid 60's, they bought the Little Chicago Store and operated that until it burned years later.  They rebuilt, and were operating the store when Martin died on October 17, 1976.  After his death, Wilma sold the store.  She remained living in Little Chicago and went to work for Sheldahl.  In 1989, she moved to Northfield, retiring from Sheldahl in 1993.

Wilma was a member of the Church of St. Dominic and was a longtime active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Rosary Society.  She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, watching game shows and was kind, helpful, hardworking and always full of fun.  
 
Survivors include 2 sons: Marvin and wife Linda of Little Chicago, Myron and wife Ruth of Dundas;  her son-in-law, Edward Kotek Sr. of Montgomery; 9 grandchildren: Dawn Barber of Northfield, Ed (Liz) Kotek Jr. of Montgomery, Darcy (Alan) Golombeski of Morristown, Corey (Bobbi) Kotek of Wasilla, Alaska, Allen (Shauna) Malecha of Northfield, Lynn (Todd) Schrot of Faribault, Ryan (Angela) Malecha of Faribault, Michelle and Marianne Malecha of Dundas;  17 great-grandchildren: Crystal Barber, Molly Barber, Steven, Jared and Nathan Kotek, Brandon Kotek, Brooke Fifelski, Mathew, Mikayla and Martin Malecha, Nate, Nicole, Erika and Michael Schrot, Mason, Abbey and Ryley Malecha; 3 great-great-grandchildren: Ashlynn Barber, Savannah Barber and Paige Fifelski.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter Marlene Kotek, her brother George Kovarik; and a great-granddaughter Martina Malecha.

Wilma passed away Friday evening, December 30, 2011, at the Three Links Care Center in Northfield, at the age of 89.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM Thursday, January 5, 2012, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield with Fr. Dennis Dempsey officiating.  Music will be provided by Marlys Mouser.  Interment will be  in Calvary Cemetery, Lonsdale.  Casket bearers will be Dawn Barber, Ed Kotek Jr., Darcy Golombeski, Corey Kotek, Allen  Malecha, Lynn Schrot, Ryan Malecha, Michelle Malecha and Marrianne Malecha.  Visitation will be 4-7PM Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield.  Visitation will continue at church on Thursday one hour prior to the funeral.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.