Marlys Malecek

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church in New Haven, Iowa. Burial will follow at St. Peter Catholic Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church in New Haven, beginning with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mary’s Meals, https://www.marysmealsusa.org/

Marlys was born on June 12, 1942, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Marvin and Louise (Flaherty) Bartosh. She graduated from Pocahontas Catholic School in 1960, and it was there that she met Joe Malecek. The couple married on June 23, 1962, and together they raised four children: Nancy, Joe, Dennis, and Dave.

In 1967, Marlys and Joe bought a farm in rural New Haven, which would become their home for the rest of their lives. Marlys became deeply involved in farm life while raising their children. After the move to New Haven, she continued her work on the farm while also working as a customer service representative at Fox River Mills in Osage, Iowa. Following Joe’s death in 1999, Marlys continued to manage the family farm.

In their early years, Marlys and Joe enjoyed snowmobiling with friends and attending local polka festivals. However, their time soon shifted as they spent countless hours cheering from bleachers at their children's sporting events. Later, Marlys enjoyed being the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Wrestling team’s honorary grandma, and she cherished attending the activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marlys was a devoted member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Haven, where she participated in numerous church activities. She was also actively involved in her community as a member of the Osage Athletic Booster Club, Mitchell County Cowbells, and Mitchell County Snowmobile Association, among other organizations.

Marlys was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents, Marvin and Louise Bartosh; and her brother, Larry Bartosh. She is survived by her sister Cathy Yock; her four children: Nancy (Todd) Sandwisch, Joe Malecek, Dennis (Rhonda) Malecek, and Dave (Kayah-bah) Malecek. She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren: Trent and Emily Sandwisch, Lindsey (Kyle) Holschlag, Lauren (Brandon) Barker, Jenna (Ian) Flatgard, Josie (Edward) Rausch, Joe (Braya) Malecek, Jessica (Davis) O’Grady, Marcus (Angelique) Malecek, Madison Malecek, Drew Malecek, Samuel Malecek, Amalia Malecek, Kora Malecek, Lydia Malecek, and Isabella Malecek. Marlys was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren: Finley & Holden Holschlag, Brylee & Clint Rausch, Esdon, Jane & Ellie Barker, Marla & Ruth Flatgard, and Anastasia, Michael & Cecelia Malecek.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements.