Franklin J. Malena

Franklin J. Malena of O'Neill, formerly of Amelia, NE, was born on the family farm 9 miles southwest of Stanton, NE on February 2, 1933 to Joseph and Pauline (Koza) Malena. He had one sister, Agnes Mae. In the spring of 1940 the family moved to a cattle ranch in Holt County, 12 ½ miles southeast of Atkinson. He finished his schooling in Holt county and graduated the eighth grade on May 27, 1947.
Franklin stayed with his parents and sister and ranched with them, helping in the hayfield and raising cattle. He went into the Army on April 14, 1953. He was discharged on August 28, 1953 and returned home to work with his father. In 1956 his father became ill and soon after passed away. Franklin, his sister, and his mother kept the ranch going until 1962 when his sister married and moved. Franklin and his mother continued the ranching operation until 1968 when they liquidated and Franklin went out and worked in different places. He worked for the Lee Ranch fixing fences and haying and also at the Olson Factory.
On September 6, 1969 Franklin moved to South Dakota to work at the Norman Nystrom Farm. On January 24, 1970 Franklin married Rosalie Weischedel in Pierre, SD and made their home north of Pierre. A daughter Tempe Jo Galena was born. In 1979 Franklin accepted the position of Maintenance Man for the Oahe Plains Water System.
In 1981 Franklin's wife, Rosalie, became ill with cancer and he had to stay near home to care for her. During this period he began his sheep operation with 60 head. In October 1986 Rosalie passed away. Franklin and his daughter Tempe, who was 14 years old at the time, stayed and kept the place going.
Franklin married Donna Neburn on November 21, 1987 in Neligh, NE. Donna later passed away as well.
Franklin's hobby and interest was restoring old International and Farmall tractors. He was a good welder and enjoyed working in his shop. He also worked as a mechanic on farm machinery for others for most of his life.
Franklin is survived by his daughter Tempe Jo Heck, her husband and children all of Kansas, and Nieces, Nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by parents, 1st wife Rosalie, 2nd wife Donna, and sister Agnes Dobias and her husband James.