Danny Malecha, 52, of Myrtle Lake, Orr MN, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Cook hospital with his wife, Abi, by his side.  Danny was born in New Prague MN on June 5th, 1971 to Leonard and Jayne Malecha.  When Danny was four, his family moved from their farm in Lonsdale to Myrtle Lake Resort in Orr, MN.  Danny spent his childhood years at the resort and had many friends and cherished memories from his time there.  In 1983, the family moved back to Lonsdale where Danny finished high school.

Danny met and married the love of his life, Abi Stadler, on October 10, 1998, in Lonsdale, MN.  Together they and their children shared many adventures. Their home was filled with laughter and love.   Danny and Abi shared three wonderful children-- Ashley, Serena and Justin.  Danny's children were his pride and joy.  He lived for his children and was more than happy to share with anyone how well each of them was doing.

Danny followed in his father's footsteps, pursuing concrete and masonry work.  He started his own business and enjoyed being his own boss. Later, to offer his family more stability, he took a position with Pace Intl.   He made many wonderful friends along the way.

Danny's dream was always to return to Myrtle Lake Resort.  Two years ago, with their children off to college, Danny and Abi decided to make that dream come true and purchased Myrtle Lake Resort.  Danny's dreams were finally realized!  He was home.  Although there was much work to be done, Danny poured all his energy into restoring it.  He and friends repaired cabins, renewed the landscape, replaced the boat launch and more as he worked towards his vision and dream.  His final project, finished just last week, was to install two new docks.  He had a dream and he lived it to his last day.  Danny thought Myrtle Lake was the best place on earth.

Danny never met anyone that wasn't a friend.  He welcomed everyone into his life and saw the good in each of them, even when others couldn't.  If anyone didn't know how charming Danny was, he would be the first one to tell you.  He was passionate about his family.  He loved a good practical joke and he always caught the biggest fish (unless Mark was along).  He was Uncle Danny to many youngsters—they adored him.  He would stop whatever he was doing if a child wanted him to play, help or learn.  He was an extremely hard worker and accomplished whatever it was that he set out to do.

Danny was a man of deep faith. He lived every day in his faith knowing that his Lord and Savior was by his side.  He was a good and faithful servant.  We can only hope that the fishing is great in heaven.

Danny was preceded in death by his mother Jayne (Svoboda) Malecha, his sister, Debbie, and his brother, Duane.

Danny is survived by his wife Abi (Stadler) Malecha, his daughters Ashley (Steve) Francen and Serena (Jonathan) Malecha and son, Justin Malecha; father, Leonard Malecha; siblings Mark (Julie) Malecha, Sandy McDonald, MaryLu (Terry) Bastyr, and Sonia Malecha; and numerous nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

The visitation will be on Friday, April 26, from 5–8 pm at Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook MN. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 27, at 11 am with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr. There will be lunch and fellowship following at Myrtle Lake Resort.  All are welcome to celebrate the life of Danny—he would want that.

The urn bearers on entry:  Brad Sokoloski, Tony Malecha, Russell Erickson and Scott Wright.  Family members walking the urn out are:  David Hoffman, Brad Bastyr, Tony Lord and Briar and Brett Stadler.  The ushers will be Luke Will, Mike Vidmar, Jay Stadler, and Corey Stadler.