Robert Malli
Robert Kenneth Malli, 77, of Waukon passed away peacefully at Thornton Manor in Lansing November 3, 2020. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, November 7 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Waukon. Burial followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Waukon.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Patrick Catholic School, Waukon. Sympathy cards may be sent in care of Michael Malli, 829 31st Avenue, Amana, IA 52203. Martin-Grau Funeral Home of Waukon handled arrangements.
Born August 4, 1943 in Decorah, Robert Kenneth Malli was the son of Kenneth and Frances (McCullough) Malli. A 1961 graduate of St. Patrick High School, Waukon, Bob married Mary Cecile Manton February 20, 1965 at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Lansing.
Farming and mechanics were a large part of Bob’s life. Starting out as a dairy farmer just north of Waukon on his family farm, Bob went on to earn a technical degree as a diesel mechanic from Area I in Calmar in 1978, working first at farm implement shops around the area, and then with the Iowa Department of Transportation, Highway Division in 1985. Bob lived in Clear Lake until 1988, when he transferred to the Decorah Division and eventually made his way back to his beloved Allamakee County in 2001.
He was an active member of the AFSME until his retirement in 2006. An avid collector of tractors and firearms, Bob enjoyed participating in tractor parades and was a proud member of the NRA. He was actively involved in local political parties and was a fan of the Green Bay Packers, Iowa Hawkeyes and Waukon Indians. Bob loved being part of the Northeast Iowa Flying Club, where he earned his pilot’s license. His greatest joys in life included attending his grandchildren’s activities, reading about World War II, debating politics, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.
Bob is survived by his four children: Robert (Brem) Malli of Fairfax, VA, Michael (Chrissa) Malli of Amana, Patrick (Anne) Malli of Bruchmühlbach-Miesau, Germany and Suzanne (Beda) Brichacek of Rockville, MD; eight grandchildren: Cody, Keira and Indra Malli, Blake, Morgan and Kendyl Malli, Maya Brichacek, and Kevin Malli; his sister, Karen (Scott) Jenkins of Crystal Lake, IL; his sister-in-law, Kathleen (Leo) Keenan of McGregor; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his parents; and a younger sister, Bonnie.
The family sends its heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff of Thornton Manor for their kind, empathetic care and to all those who looked after Bob for the past several years.
Honorary casketbearers are Paul Farley, Donnie, Joe and Jimmy Hlubek, Leo Keenan, Lawrence and Donald Sexton, Roger Malli, Pat Bresnahan, and Carl and Ray Mullarkey. Bob’s family members will serve as casketbearers.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
