Josephine Marie Malecha, age 85, of Faribault, MN, passed away and went to heaven Monday, April 22, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Josephine was born on July 25, 1938, in Webster Township, Rice County, MN, the daughter of Wenceslaus (Jim) and Bernadine (Keilen) Malecha. She graduated from Northfield High School with the class of 1956. Josephine was united in marriage to Ellard Malecha on May 14, 1958, at the Church of Annunciation in Hazelwood.

She took great pride in raising her family and cleaning houses. Josephine provided cleaning services for over 150 families for 38 years, commenting she cleaned a house on just about every block in Faribault. She enjoyed collecting Santa figurines, cups & saucers, and anything she believed was to be a collectible and could recite the clever story where she got each piece. She liked all things sparkly, pretty, and floral.  Josephine was known for her cream puffs. You had to grab one before they were all gone. She enjoyed doing puzzles and was always proud to be involved with her grandchildren and their activities. She loved to boast she had five boys and one daughter.

Survived by her children, Curtis Malecha (Lisa), Carmon Malecha (Kris), Connie Denny (Philip), Steven Malecha, Bruce Malecha (Gina), and Bradley Malecha (Julie); her 26 grandchildren; her adorable great grandchildren; her special friend of 10 years, Robert Fierst; her siblings, Roman Malecha (Pat), Randy Malecha (Kathy), Susan Franek (Ron), Noreen Nelson (Dave), and LouAnn Rezac (Tom); brother-in-law, Joe Koldin; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Ellard; parents, Wenceslaus (Jim) and Bernadine; sister, Florence Koldin; and nephews, Kevin Koldin, and Michael Nelson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at the Church of St. Patrick in Shieldsville, 7525 Dodd Road, Faribault, with Fr. Tom Neihaus, pastor, officiating. Interment will be at the Church of St. Patrick Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N., Faribault, and on Saturday for one hour prior to the services at the church.