NEWTON—Jack J. Malek, 87, died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, at Newton Medical Center. He was born June 29, 1933, in Beloit to John and Mary (Waner) Malek.
Jack attended Catholic School in Wichita before moving to Florence, Kansas where he graduated high school and joined the US Navy soon after.
Jack was a U.S. Navy veteran. He retired as a commercial painter for both Koehn and Associates painting and LeRoy Koehn Painting, both in Newton. Jack enjoyed being kept busy and worked till he was 70 when he retired.
He was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton.
Jack enjoyed being around people and being social, and was actively involved in the Mexican American softball tournament for many years. He especially enjoyed time with his loving family. He looked forward to working out at the Newton YMCA and keeping up with his friends. When he relaxed his television was often on ESPN where he enjoyed sports especially following the Chiefs, Royals and KU. He had a love of boxing and was a boxer in his younger years.
He is survived by his daughters Tammy Phares and Kim (Rick) Spengler. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 16 great great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren and his companion Cecilla “Nina” Llamas
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard Malek and William Creamer; sisters Shirley Lassley, Mary Lou Dean and Sandra Smith. He is also preceded in death by son in law Ed Phares.
A graveside committal service with Navy Honors will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery with the Rev. Jorge Lopez presiding. A memorial Mass will be announced later in 2021.
Jack’s register book will be available at Petersen Funeral Home during office hours until the service time.
Memorial suggestions are to Our Lady of Guadalupe Food Pantry in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
