Dad always said ‘if you don’t know where you’re going, just enjoy the ride’ and we believe he had quite a ride. First generation American born to Jacob and Mary Malensek (immigrants from Slovenia) in Butte April 25, 1925, passed October 18, 2019. Ed joined the Seabees at age 19 to see the world and served his time during WW II in the Pacific. After his tour he attended Carroll College in Helena, then Gonzaga in Spokane WA where he met his future wife Camille Meechan. They married in 1948. Ed became a Social Worker and with 6 children started another adventure moving the family to Tallahassee Fl to attend the University to get his Masters Degree, 2 years later moved back to MT. Dad and mom enjoyed many travels throughout Montana, Oregon, Canada and Alaska. They also enjoyed outdoor activities including boating, skiing, hunting, camping and hiking.
Ed was preceded in death by his loving wife Camille and his eight older brothers and sisters. Ed is survived by six children, 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren: Mike and Barbara Malensek (Julie and Dan Satterfield, sons Ryan and Cyrus; Brian, daughters Berlynn and Sierra); Mary and Gary Poepping (Megan and Justin Brunell , daughter Charlee); Kirk and Melissa Poepping, daughter Olivia, sons Noah and Logan); Mark and Debbe Malensek (Jennifer and Joel Schaefer, son Christopher and daughter Rileigh); Alison Malensek; Becky and Mike Muller (John and Crystal Terry, sons Hunter and Luke; Nick and Sean Muller; Katie LaRoe, son Blaze and daughter Isabelle); Peggy and Shawn Audie (Sarah Rychalski and Ed Tomlinson and son Mac; Kelsey Rychalski); John and Julieanna Malensek.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday October 25, 2019 at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Ed.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday October 25, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrision, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday October 25, 2019
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrision, Montana 59636
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Chris Leary says
Ed’s legacy is definitely the wonderful family that he raised with Camille. Ed instilled work ethic, kindness, appreciation, humor and love in his children that they in turn used to pick spouses and raise families of their own. I’ve felt welcomed, respected, supported and appreciated while becoming part of this wonderful family’s life through my time helping Ed. It was a pleasure to spend time with Ed in his home, cooking to see “What will Ed eat?”I have special memories of Ed’s smile and cute face. I feel lucky to have been a part of Ed’s life journey. LOVE, Chris
Jennifer McFarland says
As a former co-worker of Becky’s, I felt I knew her father through her wonderful stories of their family and their love for one another. As the patriarch of this large family, it was clear what a good father and leader he was. May he rest in peace with his sweet wife and may the family always remember the good times they shared and memories they will always carry in their hearts.
Love and prayers,
Jennifer
Deborah Lee (LCCC Family) says
Becky…..I am extending my sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved dad. You have shared with Jennifer and me many warm, loving, and funny stories about dad. I always enjoyed hearing the stories because I could see in your eyes and hear in your voice the love, admiration, respect, and joy you had for him. I didn’t know your dad, but because I got know the type of person you are over the years….I feel confident saying that he must have been a strong, caring, loving, and family man. All of you will truly miss him….but I hope you and your family will find comfort in knowing that your dad is now with your mom and they are once again laughing together. May God continue to give your family amazing grace and strength during this sad time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Roxianne Verworn says
John, Julieanna and family-
My deepest sympathies to all in the passing of your dad. Do know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God’s grace help you through this time of pain with reflections of many memories. Another special angel is now watching over all of you.