Robert W. Malek

Robert Walter Malek, 80, passed away on March 27, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Mich., with his wife, Sandra, and his daughter, Suzanne, by his side throughout his extended illness. He was born to the late Chester and Suzanne (Fabone) Malek in Chicago.

A visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Filbrandt Chapel on Tuesday, April 8. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Pastor David Frey of First Congregational Church will be officiating. A graveside service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.

Robert is survived by his wife, Sandra Lee (Baker). They were married on Aug. 23, 1992, in South Haven. They have one daughter, Suzanne Victoria Malek; three children from a previous marriage: Genevieve, Benjamin and Michael and two grandsons: Robert and Jeremy Malek; a brother, Paul (Velga) Malek and a sister, Janice Rooks.

He served in the U.S. Air Force. After serving his country, he became a master electrician working for Duwell Metal Products, Bangor Foods, Pullman Industries, Bohn Engine and Foundry, L. Perrigo and several nuclear power companies. He also was a blueberry farmer and raised cattle; and was a member of several unions, including the IBEW and the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association.

Robert loved SCUBA diving, dancing, traveling, fishing, photography, reading, chemistry and geology. He volunteered for several years setting up and teaching a photography program for emotionally disturbed adolescents.

Services have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 1076 S. Bailey Ave., South Haven, MI 49090, 269-637-0333.