John D. Malinak

HOT SPRINGS — John D. Malinak, 78, of Hot Springs died Jan. 6, 2005, at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital.

He was born on Aug. 20, 1926, on the family ranch at Hot Springs to Conrad and Julia (Delton) Malinak. He began school at the Oliver Gulch country school, continuing at Hot Springs High School, and graduating in 1941. After graduation, John stayed on the Malinak Ranch, caring for his parents until they died.

In June 1956, John married Nora Jean Melton from just down the road at Big Bend. They raised their four children, Jeffery, Nancy, Kevin and Leo Malinak. John spent his entire life on his beloved ranch, doing what he loved best, taking care of livestock, farming the land, and, of course, being with his family and enjoying his good old neighbors. When he was young, and could be spared from the callings of the farm duties, he thrived in the outdoors hunting, fishing and taking back-country hunting trips.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Julia Malinak; his brothers, Conrad, Jr., Paul and Bill; his sisters, Grace and Mary Jo.

He is survived by his wife, Nora Jean; three sons, Jeff (Maureen) Malinak of Hot Springs, Kevin (Sherri) Malinak of Newman Lake, Wash., and Leo (Amber) Malinak of Valier; one daughter, Nancy (Glen) Ross of Gering, Neb.; 11 grandchildren, Katie, Brittany, Nick, Zack, Alec, Jacob, Dusti, Rachel, Caitlin, Emily and Grant; and one great-grandson, Crimson.

A funeral Mass was held Jan. 10 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hot Springs. Burial was in the Plains Cemetery. Bunch-Toews Funeral Chapel of Plains was in charge of arrangements.