Stan Maleska

Stanley John Maleska

Stanley J. Maleska, 94, of Hibbing died Tuesday, April 3, 2018 peacefully with family by his side.  He was born February 24, 1924 to Frank and Theresa (Earley) Maleska in Duluth, MN.  Stan graduated from Cathedral Boys School in Duluth then went on to proudly serve his country during WWII with the U.S Army combat infantry division in the European Theatre. After the war, Stan attended and graduated from Michigan Tech with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.  He later worked as an Engineer with U.S. Steel and Eveleth Taconite Company.  He also owned and operated EssJay Realty in Hibbing.  Stan was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hibbing, the Engineer’s Club of Northeastern Minnesota, the Izaak Walton League, VFW Post 8510 of Hibbing, Disabled American Veterans, and was a very active member of the Mid-Range Honor Guard.  For a time he also served as a volunteer Civil Defense Auxiliary Policeman, at one time assisting residents of the Outing Minnesota area following a tornado.  He was a long-standing member and steward of MN Woodland Advisors and cherished the pine plantations he created with his family.  Stan was a Minnesota firearms safety instructor for over 20 years and was retired from the Town of Stuntz Volunteer Fire Department.  He loved to challenge himself which also led to his status as a Senior Spelling Bee champion in Minnesota.

Stan was a devoted family man and avid outdoorsman. He inspired in his family a love for activities including extended BWCA fishing trips, duck, deer and moose hunting, beekeeping, tree farming, and raising huge gardens.

The Maleska family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Fairview Range Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion they provided to Stan and his family.

Stan is survived by his wife Patricia of Hibbing; children, Michael Maleska, Kathleen Maleska, and Carol (Clayton) Brown, all of Hibbing, Mary Pat Sauter of Grand Rapids, Janet (Jeff) Bigo, and Maureen (Brian) Eichholz, of Hibbing: daughter-in-law, Laurie, Princeton, MN, 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Maleska; granddaughter, Emily Maleska; and his parents, Frank and Theresa.

Funeral services for Stan will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 9, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hibbing.  The Rev. Fr. Beau Braun will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral Mass at the church on Monday.  Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.