Robert Malanche

Robert Malanche, age 90, passed away Saturday morning, March 30, 2013, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. Robert was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, on August 13, 1922, son of the late Margarito and Luz (nee: Silva) Malanche.

Robert attended Washington Park High School and graduated in 1941. During World War II, from October of 1942 to November of 1945, Robert proudly served in the U.S. Army as a rifleman (marksman), mortar gunner, radio operator and motorcycle scout. He was recognized with three Bronze Battle Stars with the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; a Bronze Star Medal; two Bronze Clusters to the Bronze Star and a Victory Medal. On January 12, 1947, in Gorizia, Italy, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Milena Podgornik.  Robert and Milena shared fifty-eight years together before she passed away on March 15, 2005.

Through the years, Robert was in the skilled trades as a master welder employed with J.I. Case Co, Bucyrus Erie Co and lastly with the Chrysler Corp. until his retirement in1988.  A jack of all trades, Bob enjoyed fixing things in his spare time, especially cars.  A boxer in his younger years and during his time in the Army, Bob always enjoyed boxing or sparring in a good political debate. In his later years, he enjoyed eating out and always looking for new restaurants in town. Above all, it was his time with his family that gave him the most joy.

Survivors include his daughters, Mary L. Malanche of Chicago, Barbara A. Malanche, Tina M. Miller, both of Racine; daughter-in-law, Bernadette Malanche of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Gena Malanche, Joseph (Kathy) Malanche, Julie (Sean) Solveson, Jessica Malanche, Thomas Miller, Mitchell Miller, Ryan Miller; six great-grandchildren, Grace, Jacob and David Solveson, Lauren, Andrea and Jackson Malanche; sister, Josephine Mulder of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert M. Malanche; granddaughter, Angela Malanche; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Olga Malanche; and his son-in-law Thomas Miller.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at 1 p.m.   Interment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.  Relatives and  friends may meet Tuesday from noon until time of service.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Willow Creek Dialysis Center for their compassionate care given Robert these past four years.

MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888