August Malecha

August “Gus” Malecha, age 90 of Bloomingdale; passed away November 25, 2019. He was the Loving Husband of Marianne (Nee Sampson); Loving Dad of August M. (Jody), Cathy Collier, Mari (Roger) Turley, Ann Malecha (George Hadjiloizou), Jim (Megan) and Peggy (Eric) Monsen; Loving Grandpa of Ellen, August, Elizabeth, Meredith (Matt), Roger, Michael, Rose (Chris), Alexia (Aaron), Catherine, Marianna, Lauren (Alex), Matt, Emily, Sonja, Claire (Michael), Thor and Joey; Great Grandpa of Violet, Stella and Easton. He was preceded in death by his parents. Dearest brother of the late Charlotte (the late Ernie) Pleiss, Lallie (Vern) Dahl, the late Roman (the late Dee), the late Jackie, Yvonne (the late Jerry) Gehring, Virgie (the late Pete) Wobschall. Gus was born on September 24, 1929 near Montgomery, Minnesota. He was the oldest of 7 children of August and Agnes Malecha. In 1949 Gus met his future wife and the love of his life Marianne. They were married in 1952 and celebrated their 67th anniversary this past March. Gus was in the USAF and was a proud veteran who served during the Korean War. Part of his service included attending Syracuse University where he studied and learned to speak Russian. In 1948, Gus began a career with the Chicago and North Western Railroad that lasted 41 years. Gus started as a fireman shoveling coal into steam engines and retired in 1989 as Vice President of Transportation and General Manager. Gus enjoyed golfing many of this countries great golf courses. At the age of 44 Gus learned how to fly and for the next 30+ years enjoyed flying all across the country. In 2002, at the age of 73, Gus decided he wanted to drive a motorcycle across the United States. So he did. Gus and 3 of his friends trailered their motorcycles to San Diego, CA. and they drove from San Diego to Maine and back to Chicago. The thing that Gus loved the most was spending time with his family. Gus loved the family vacations with his children and grandchildren. Gus also tried to attend as many sporting events, concerts and graduations of his 16 grandchildren. Even if this required traveling to other states. Gus loved traveling with his wife Marianne. They traveled all over the United States and to several countries. They also loved cruising. Besides several Caribbean cruises, they also cruised to Alaska and the Panama Canal. While Gus will be missed, his love of life and his spirit of adventure continue to live on through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Friends and Family are asked to meet Saturday at St. Isidore Chapel at 10:30 a.m., 427 W. Army Trail Rd., Bloomingdale, 60108. Mass at 10:45 a.m., Interment to follow at St. Isidore Cemetery. Visitation Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Salerno Rosedale Chapels 450 W. Lake St., Roselle, 60172 (3/4 mile west of Bloomingdale/Roselle Rd.) For info (630) 889-1700 or www.salernofuneralhomes.com