Wesley Paul Malenke

Wesley Paul Malenke, aged 93, passed away on July 25, 2024, at the Nora Springs Care Center in Nora Springs after a brief illness.

A memorial service for Wesley Malenke will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City with Pastor Don Preston officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua.

A gathering of family and friends will be held one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.

Emil and Caroline (Ruge) Malenke welcomed their fifth boy on April 12, 1931, in Seward Township, Nobles County, Minnesota.

At age fourteen Wesley lost his mother Caroline to heart disease and went to live with his sister Mildred and her husband on a farm by Fulda, Minnesota. He attended high school in Fulda for three years before moving back to Worthington, Minnesota to live with his father and stepmother.

Wesley’s life was marked by a distinguished career and a passion for various hobbies that brought joy not only to him but to those around him.

Wesley served in the United States Air Force, then spent many productive years working at General Electric and Salsbury/Solvay Laboratories, where he contributed significantly to his field. While at Salsbury/Solvay he met this wonderful lady Lucille but had to work up the nerve to talk to her. This chance meeting led into a marriage to Lucille Neir on June 5, 1976, and created a very happy union.

His professional life was characterized by dedication and a commitment to excellence, values that he carried into his personal pursuits as well.

An avid traveler, Wesley relished the opportunity to explore new places, often through cruises and camping trips. His love for automotive and tractor museums spoke to his appreciation for history and mechanical innovation. Dining out was one of his favorite activities, allowing him to indulge in different cuisines.

After his marriage to Lucille, Wesley rekindled his connection with his family, spending cherished moments with his brother Ralph’s family among others. These reunions were a source of great happiness and provided lasting memories.

Wesley is survived by his sister-in-law, Darlene Malenke, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille, parents, Emil and Caroline Malenke, his stepmother, Jennie Malenke, brothers, Clarence, Wilbur, Ralph and Virgil Malenke, sister, Mildren Haseman, and stepsister, Jene Petrich.

Wesley’s life was a testament to his strong values and his ability to bring joy and enthusiasm to his professional and personal endeavors. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.