Ronald Joseph Malecha, 71, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on Friday morning, May 15, 2015, in Prior Lake, Minnesota.

He was born Oct. 9, 1943, at home on the farm in rural Lonsdale, Minnesota, the son of Joseph T. and Julia M. (Simon) Malecha. Ronald attended country school and Catholic school in Lonsdale before graduating from Northfield High School in 1961. Two years after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his discharge, Ron worked in outside sales for farm companies, including Consumers Supply, retiring in 2011. On Aug. 21, 1965, Ron and Carmen M. Stang were united in marriage at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague, Minnesota. Carmen and Ron met at a dance at the New Prague Park Ballroom. The couple raised two children, Kevin and Jennifer. An active member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie where he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister for more than 30 years, Ron also belonged to 4-H as a youth, the Servicemen’s Club in Blooming Prairie, and the Knights of Columbus (third and fourth degree) where he served as a past grand knight. Other community involvement included service on the board of Prairie Manor Care Center, the board of the Blooming Prairie Country Club, and he was an active member of the American Legion. An avid hunter and fisherman, he also enjoyed camping, golfing, and snowmobiling. Ron was a very proud grandfather.

Ron is survived by his children: Kevin Malecha of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, and Jennifer (David) Kriske of Apple Valley, Minnesota; one grandchild Peri Kriske; his sister Karen Sevcik of Lonsdale, Minnesota; and special friend Sharon Johnson of Mankato, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Julia Malecha; and his wife Carmen Malecha on June 21, 2000.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie with Father Steve Peterson officiating. Military rites will be performed by the American Legion Post 52 and V.F.W. Post 878. Visitation will be held at the Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2015, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. There will be a prayer service at 4 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery, New Prague, Minnesota. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.