Traverse City, Michigan
LELAND — Robert J. Maleski, 71, of Leland, died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at his home with the support of family, after a short battle with cancer. Robert was born in Leland Township, Nov. 28, 1937, to John and Anna (Fleis) Maleski.
On Feb. 22, 1956, he married Angela Rice in Lake Leelanau. They went on to raise a family of six in Leland, where he was proud to have lived his whole life.
He was a business entrepreneur, recently owning Maleski and Sons for the past 35 years. He found great enjoyment in his work and helping his customers. Robert did not see those he worked for as merely customers, they were also his friends.
As a younger man he served on the Leland Volunteer Fire Department, coached youth baseball and through his life supported his community.
Robert's family heritage began on North Manitou Island, where the Maleski family homestead was located since the 1870s. Robert enjoyed visiting the island and spending time on the family property.
He was an avid outdoors man and sports enthusiast, and shared this love with his family and friends. As his family grew, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and teaching a new generation to enjoy the outdoors and sports.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 53 years; daughter, Bonnie (Steve) Plamondon of Lake Leelanau; sons, Robert (Amy Bruggeman) Maleski of Cedar, Brian (Diane Hisenkamp) Maleski, Bruce (Sara) Maleski, Steve (Stephanie) Maleski, all of Leland, and Scott (Penelope) Maleski of Suttons Bay; his grandchildren, Tyler (Casey), Jacob, Emily, Abby, Ryan, Elly, Adam, Cory, Quinn, Griffon, Ashley, Justin, Dustin, Keegan and Logan; and great-grandchildren, Joel Robert and Madilyn. Robert is also survived by sisters, Alice (Orville) Russell of Cedar Springs and Geraldine (Louis) Houdek of Leland; and brother, Steven Maleski of Oldsmar, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clem, John and Raymond Maleski; and sisters, Jeanette Kalchik and Anna Mae Donall.
Visitation will be on Sunday, Nov. 8, at St. Mary Catholic Church - Lake Leelanau, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a wake service at 7 p.m. The Celebration of Mass will be on Monday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m., also at the church. The Rev. Fr. Michael Janowski will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery - Lake Leelanau.
Memorial donations can be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church - Lake Leelanau or Hospice of Michigan.
Please share memories with the family on Robert's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
Dear Maleski Family,
Your dad, husband, gandfather, was a wonderful man. I will never forget our daily waves as we passed each other on our errands. He is truely someone you can be proud to have known. All my best wishes.
Kim Bunbury
Kim Bunbury
November 18, 2009 | Leland, MI
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may...
Charles Wright
November 13, 2009 | Oshkosh, WI
My family is so saddened by the loss of Bob. We have depended on him for over 40 years. We will miss him. May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Neil, Chris, Sam and Patrick Tyler
Neil and Chris Tyler
November 11, 2009 | Brentwood, TN
Uncle Bob,
I can still remember the fun times we had when we came up North for visits with Mom and Dad, and the time we saw you at the Oakridge Boys Concert. You will be be greatly missed. Love Sandra Ostrander (Russell)
November 10, 2009
the maleski family,
i'll never forget,regretfully having to call bob on a cold snowy winter night because the old oil furnace had gone out...bob came over crawled under the house into the crawl space and got it going again!! thank you bob for making our lives easier too!! keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
patty larson and family
patty larson
November 10, 2009 | Traverse City, MI
Aunt Angela and Family,
I was shocked to here of Uncle Bobs passing. I'm so glad that Mom and I were just there to visit with you. My prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.I will miss him.
Marilyn Binder
Marilyn Binder
November 09, 2009 | Oshkosh, WI
The Bob Maleski Family,
We are shocked, saddened and at a loss. Our prayers and thoughts are that your grief is lessened by knowing that we thought the world of Bob. I always enjoyed running into Bob and discussing our latest project. Big or small, we counted on his knowledge and contacts. He made our lives easier, and we are forever thankful.
If there is any way we can be of help, please let us know.
Bill Strietmann and family
Bill Strietmann
November 09, 2009 | Cincinnati, OH
Maleski Family: God's peace and blessings to you. Bob was such a beloved man. It was a blessing to know him. Thinking and praying for you. Amy Gerard and Family.
Amy Gerard
November 09, 2009 | Grand Rapids, MI
Maleski Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. We really appreciated Bob's help and expertise through the years and it was a privilege to know him. We hope and pray that the sadness of today will only be replaced by warm and happy memories of your husband, father, grandfather.
Bob and Marcia Moglia
November 08, 2009
