Patricia A. Maleska

Patricia A. Maleska, longtime resident of Hibbing passed away with family by her side on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Guardian Angels Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hibbing.  She was born March 27, 1930 to Ralph E. and Mary A. (Nacey) O’Donnell in Duluth, MN.  She was married to Stan Maleska on August 23, 1952 in Duluth, MN.  A rosy cheeked city girl when Stan met her, she adjusted well to country living and raising a large family.  An accomplished homemaker, Pat also dabbled in Real Estate with Stan for some time.  She was very proud of being an Election Judge for 30 plus years.  Pat was a former member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Hibbing.   She taught religious Ed at the church and was a member of the CCW.  Pat was a 4-H leader for many years while her children were growing up, teaching cooking, baking, and sewing for her 4-H groups.  She loved camping, canoeing, gardening, sewing, lots of good cooking, baking, cake decorating, and was involved with the local Farmer’s Market here in town.  She enjoyed smelting on the river but wouldn’t dare eat them!  Pat was a fantastic cake decorator and made countless cakes for weddings and various other occasions.  Pat rose to the challenges of cooking whatever (often unconventional) game the guys brought home.  She also really enjoyed hosting neighbor ladies for sewing circle at her home on a regular basis.  She used her sewing skills to outfit her growing family back in the day, as well as bridesmaid dresses as we grew up and moved on. She was proud of all her kids and grandkids.  She was well-loved and will be missed by her loved ones.  

            She is survived by her children, Michael Maleska, Hibbing, Kathleen Maleska, Hibbing, Carol (Clayton) Brown, Hibbing, Mary Pat Sauter, Grand Rapids, MN, Janet Bigo, Hibbing, and Maureen (Brian) Eichholz, Hibbing, MN, former daughter-in-law, Dorothy Maleska, Kentucky, sister-in-law, Pat O’Donnell, Duluth, MN, daughter-in-law, Laurie Shea, Princeton, MN, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with various nieces and nephews.

            She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Maleska, husband, Stan Maleska, parents, Ralph and Mary, brothers, Ralph and Jerome O’Donnell, two grandchildren, Emily and Craig Maleska, and sister-in-law, Dora O’Donnell.

            Funeral services for Pat will be 11:00 am, Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.  The Rev. Fr. Bill Skarich and Deacon Richard Johnston will officiate.   The visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home on Thursday.  Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing.   Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.