Jay E. Malakowsky

Jay was born on December 24, 1919, in Denaud, Florida, to Otto and Christina Eppler Malakowsky. He was the eleventh child in his family. At the age of nine they moved to Hawley, MN, where he attended District 107 country school, and later graduated from Hitterdal High School in 1938. He then attended NDSU, farmed with his father and even spent a summer with buddies in California working in the shipyards. In 1942, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the 81st Infantry Division. Jay served in the Western Pacific and Asiatic-Pacific Theaters. On a furlough he attended a local Hawley barn dance. It was here that he met Eunice Brunsvold. He said it was love at first sight. They were married February 7, 1945. Jay was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946. He and Eunice farmed near Hawley until 1981 when they moved into Hawley. Eunice died March 10, 1994. Jay kept active in farming until 1999. He entered Viking Manor in Ulen, MN, in December of 2011.Jay is survived by daughter, Jayne Rick Lyon of Pelican Rapids, MN; son, Paul Susan Malakowsky of Hawley, MN; grandchildren, Jay Kristie Lyon of Candia, New Hampshire, Eric Kirsten Lyon of Barnesville, MN, Samantha Todd Rendon of Hawley, MN, Cassandra Malakowsky of St. Louis Park, MN, Daniel Malakowsky of Hawley, MN, Scott Malakowsky of Fargo, ND; great-grandchildren, Connor and Devyn Lyon, Alaina and Elley Lyon, Caroline Rendon, Austin Malakowsky; sister, Verna Friday at Viking Manor in Ulen, MN; and brother, Roy Malakowsky of Hawley, MN.He was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice; son, Lonny; parents, Otto and Christina; brothers, John, Herman, Carl, Ben and Walter; and sisters, Marie Malakowsky, Alice English, Edna House and Elsie West.Jay was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He took care of Eunice for many years as she suffered with Alzheimer's. He loved teasing and visiting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jay was active in the community all of his life. He had a passion for fishing, hunting, gardening and telling stories of his life with family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all.