Frank Maleska

Frank A. Maleska, age 93 of Melrose, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at the Cura Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 13 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Virgil Helmin officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Frank Ambrose Maleska was born April 10, 1931 in St. Joseph, Minnesota to Frank and Rose (Mock) Maleska. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1956. He was united in marriage to Dolores Riedeman on September 10, 1956 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids. Frank was involved in the turkey industry for 60 years and was co-owner/operator of the Melrose Feed Mill. Frank volunteered numerous hours serving on various boards and councils including the Credit Union, Meadowlark Country Club, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, Melrose City Council, and St. Mary’s Council. 

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, Melrose Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion Post 101 for over 60 years. Frank enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, traveling, and watching all Minnesota sporting teams on television. Frank was a kind, generous, and selfless person who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his children, Roger Maleska of Clear Lake, Tom (Joni) Maleska of Melrose, Cathy (Gary) Nelson of Brainerd, Cindy Maleska of Columbia Heights, Lisa Howe of Minneapolis, Sharon Maleska of St. Anthony, and Joel (Wendy Spanier) Maleska of Melrose; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; brother, Al (Marlene) Maleska of St. Joseph; and sister-in-law, Christine Maleska of Avon.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Maleska on February 21, 2024; parents; son, Glen Maleska; son-in-law, Brian Howe; brothers and sisters, Marie Helmin, Josephine Hollier, John Maleska, Greg Maleska, Agnes Mike, and Ted Maleska.