Dr. Robert George "Doc" Malesky

Dr. Robert George "Doc" Malesky, 83, of St. Johns, Michigan, died peacefully surrounded by his daughters on December 6, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on October 5, 1942, in Detroit, he was the second of three children of George and Doris (Mickles) Malesky.
Doc grew up in Detroit and graduated from Henry Ford High School, where a chance meeting with a girl named Penelope "Penny" Bennett changed the course of his life. For him it was love at first sight-though it took a little longer to convince Penny. Their story paused during his service in the United States Army, where he spent four years, became an exceptional marksman, and played football. Upon his return, the two reconnected, fell fully and permanently in love, and married on March 24, 1966. They made their home in St. Johns on an 80-acre farm and together raised three daughters. They remained inseparable soulmates until her passing in 2013. Her loss left an immense, irrecoverable grief.
With Penny's steadfast support, both emotionally and financially, Doc pursued his dream of becoming a veterinarian. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 1971. Two years later, he and Penny built and founded St. Johns Animal Clinic, a true family endeavor that became a local institution. They poured every ounce of their energy into the clinic and their family farm. Doc was a gifted diagnostician, phenomenal surgeon and deeply compassionate veterinarian and Penny was the heart of the clinic's operations. Animals adored Doc-he seemed to speak their language and, clients loved him too.
As a boss and business owner, Doc had unmatched enthusiasm and energy, and he treated his team like family. He would take them out to dinner frequently, was invested in their lives, and celebrated each accomplishment with them. Employees stayed for decades-none more faithfully than Julie Thelen, his veterinary technician for over thirty years, who became like the fourth daughter and sister.
Doc was endlessly curious and brilliant in the truest sense. He was always learning, always listening, always expanding his understanding of the world. Conversations with him could wander through medicine, history, finance, politics, sports, or emerging ideas. He never spoke poorly of anyone. His kindness was as expansive as his intellect.
He was also known for his sense of humor, his ability to be the life of the party, and his unique knack for giving everyone and everything a nickname. He carried himself with confidence, poise, impeccable manners, and the steady grace of a true gentleman.
Outside of work, Doc's greatest joys were simple, heartfelt, and almost always shared with Penny. He loved his dogs and critters more than most people, but Penny was always number one. He was a true romantic, writing her poems, surprising her with flowers, and cherishing the smallest moments between them. They danced together, traveled together, were incredibly devoted to their daughters and their families, and moved through life as a perfectly matched pair.
He enjoyed fishing, especially with Penny, and from 1992 onward they spent their summers on Beadle Bay in Caseville, surrounded by a treasured community of friends, enjoying fishing, campfires, and just being together. In his earlier years, Doc also enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, camping as a family, spending time in Florida, and exploring good food. Penny was a gifted cook, and Doc thanked her sincerely for every meal-a daily ritual that reflected their unwavering love and respect for each other.
He also loved boats and over the years they owned several. Doc and Penny lovingly restored an old charter boat and renamed it, "Relentless" and after doing so, they spent as much time fishing as possible until she passed away. Time spent at boat shows, watching boats up north, visiting Put-in-Bay with the Booker cousins, or traveling to Fort Meyers Beach, FL and watching the boats in the channel brought him endless joy.
After Penny's death, Doc leaned heavily on the friendship of his closest cousin and lifelong best friend, Jim Booker, and Jim's beautiful wife Nancy, who remained his confidants and companions through his later years, along with his golden retriever, "Yellow". His family and as well as his expansive network of friends were incredibly important to him and were there to support him throughout.
Doc leaves behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and love. His impact on the countless families he served, the employees he nurtured, and the animals he cared for will live on for generations.
He will be missed by many, especially his daughters, Dana (John Zell) Malesky, Sara (the late Shane) Ladwein and Charlotte (Shaun) Schnieder; dear grandchildren, Makayla (Mark) Albert, Nicholas Flegler, Brendan, Thomas and Henry Ladwein, Vivian, Bennett and Penelope Schneider; Julie (Dan) Thelen; sisters, MaryLou (Wally) Preston and JorJan (Ken) Allen; cousins, Marvin (Patti) Booker, Bill (Kathy) Booker, the late Jim (Nancy) Booker; brother-in-law, Clyde (Sonia) Bennett; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel 1500 Waterford Pkwy, St. Johns on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11 AM. Friends may gather from 10AM until the time of the service. A luncheon and gathering will follow at Ryan's Roadhouse, 902 E. State Street, St. Johns.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: The Wounded Warrior Project or New Hope Pet Rescue.
For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home at 989-224-4422.