Kenneth Donald Malkovich

Kenneth D. Malkovich

May 2, 1934       September 8, 2023

            Kenneth Donald Malkovich, 89, of Hibbing died Friday, September 8, 2023 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing.  He was born May 2, 1934 to Nick and Mary (Bovitz) Malkovich in Hibbing.  Ken attended Hibbing Schools and graduated from Hibbing High School in 1952.  He attended UMD and achieved a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology.  His educational path took him to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he graduated with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  After school, Ken proudly served his country with the US. Navy during the Korean Conflict.  After his military duty, Ken entered the Sacrament of Marriage with Joan Fontana on August 19, 1961, in Chisholm, MN.  Together they resided in Racine, WI for 14 years, eventually coming back to Hibbing. Ken was employed as the Special Education Director for ISD. 701, and Mid-Range Special Education Cooperative.  Ken was a member of various professional organizations throughout his life as well as the Hibbing Elks Lodge.  He was active in a local pool league, member of municipal golf leagues, bocce ball club, and Hibbing Bowling league.  Ken was also a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church of Hibbing.  He was an accomplished wood carver, receiving best in show, and won many blue ribbons in the Art Division at the fair.  He especially enjoyed spending time at the cabin, camping, and being outdoors.

            Ken is survived by his wife, Joan (Fontana) Malkovich, Hibbing, three children, Julie (John) Kochevar, Chisago City, MN, Michael (Monica) Malkovich, Woodbury, MN, and Laurie Malkovich, Hibbing, MN, his sister, Rosemary Kosel, Hopkins, MN, two grandchildren, Mitchell Malkovich, and Taylor Gizzi, two great-grandchildren, Finley and Jovie, along with many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Donald Kosel.

            Funeral services for Ken will be 12:00 pm, Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing.  The Rev. Fr. Bill Skarich will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral Mass at the church on Friday.  Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing.