Dr. J. Anthony "Tony" Malerich

In Loving Memory of Dr. J. Anthony "Tony" Malerich
November 7, 1922 – July 7, 2025
With full hearts and profound gratitude, the family of Dr. J. Anthony "Tony" Malerich announces his peaceful passing on July 7, 2025, at the age of 102. A healer, veteran, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and man of deep Catholic faith, Tony leaves behind a legacy that spans over a century of purpose, service, and love.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 7, 1922, Tony was the beloved son of Joseph Anthony Malerich and Phyllis Coles, and was later raised with great care by his stepmother, Helen Cherney Malerich. He graduated from St. Thomas Military Academy in 1940. He served courageously in the U.S. Navy during World War II, surviving his plane going down in the Pacific. Following his naval service, Tony honorably served in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1951. These experiences shaped his character with humility, gratitude, and enduring faith.
After the war, Tony pursued medicine with a passion for healing. He earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota and completed his residency at Harvard Medical School. As a General Practitioner, he founded his own private practice and became a trusted caregiver and counselor to generations of patients.
In 1953, Tony married Helen Marzolf Malerich, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage and a life centered on family, faith, and service. She passed away in 1999. In 2003, he married Marjorie Sullivan, whose companionship brought great joy in his later years until her passing in 2025.
A devout Catholic, Tony lived out his faith through both prayer and action. He gave countless hours of service to St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mendota, where he was a faithful parishioner and dedicated volunteer. In addition, he became a widely respected national speaker for Al-Anon, offering support and hope to countless families across the United States.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Anthony Malerich; mother, Phyllis Coles; stepmother, Helen Cherney Malerich and sisters, Mary Malerich, Sr. Anne Malerich, OSB, and Sr. Kathleen (Carmelle) Malerich, SND.
He is survived by his loving children and their families:
Leah Malerich (Steve) and their children: James Anthony (Tony) Malerich, Phillip Malerich, Dr. Sarah Minka, Mary Malerich, Carol Malerich, Ian Malerich & James (Jimmy) Malerich:
Danette Malerich, and her late husband Jerry, and her children: Daniel Boemer, Thomas Boemer, Gerald Nelson & Jordan Nelson:
Toni Marie O'Daniel (Steve) and their children: Dr. Karrah Cheruyot, Kristin Williams & Major Christopher O'Daniel
To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, "Grandpa Tony" was a quiet source of strength and faith-a storyteller, a listener, and a guide. His life was one of steady devotion: to healing others, serving his community, and leading his family with humility and love.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, MN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the Mass at 11:00 AM. Mas can be live streamed at: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fm.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUC_fywJlEasDKZOZLPd3cIWA&data=05%7C02%7C%7C42bf33528f294387c0e108ddc2ffafbc%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638881125611604173%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xls43IpG371HnFtTC72MtezcWkDSZHVibhQxBQTRq%2BQ%3D&reserved=0 A luncheon will be served immediately following the service, and all are welcome to attend.
Memorials may be directed to Minnesota Hospice – Lakeville, whose compassionate care in Tony's final days is deeply appreciated by the family.
"To heal, to serve, to love – that was his legacy. And it lives on in all of us."