Robert E Malay

Robert E. Bob Malay, 87 of La Crosse passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at the Bethany-St. Joseph Care Center with his family at his side. He was born November 25, 1924 in La Crosse to Benjamin Joseph and Bernice (Sutherland) Malay. Bob married Ruth Toots Niedercorn in 1953.

Bob worked in construction and retired in 1987. He was a member of the Laborers Local Union 140, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Moose Lodge. Bob was a top dirt track driver; racing at the North La Crosse Speed Bowl, South Side Track, Westby and other local race tracks. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his good friend Bob (Lou) Butterfield, his son Steve, son-in-law David Carl Viner and his brother-in-law, Bernie (Pat) Niedercorn who was like a son to him.

In addition to his wife Ruth of 58 years; Bob is survived by his children; Debra Butterfield, Diane (David) Viner, Rhonda (Thomas) Rosenau and Steve (Yvonne) Malay all of La Crosse; a brother, Thomas Malay of Mansfield, Mass.; a sister, Helen Hicks of La Crosse; 14 grandchildren; Carrie, Steve, Josh, Logan, Bobby, Nicol, Ashley, Brandi, Jennifer, Stephanie, Vanessa, Carlie, Tyler and Ryan; 13 great-grandchildren; Courtney, Chase, Jake, Trey, Sophie, Trevor, Breanne, Kylie, Darius, Kiaira, Deondray, Jazlynn and Natalie; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Betty Graf, brothers-in-law, Ray Graf, Elton Hicks, Harold Niedercorn, Henry Niedercorn, William Given and Charles Lindsey; sisters-in-law, Nancy Malay and Elaine Given; and a son-in-law, Steve Butterfield.

Bobs family would like to thank his childhood friend Bill (Bev) Chase for their many visits and homemade pies. Also many thanks to Bethany-St. Joseph for their care and a special thank you to Gundersen-Lutheran Hospice, Dr. Yeager, Teresa and the nurses, Kayla and the home care workers, Lori the social worker and Chaplain Dean, you will never be forgotten.

You worked hard all your life to give your family the best; now its your turn to rest. We love you.

In accordance with Bobs wishes his body will be cremated and a prayer service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, April 20th at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse with Rev. Douglas Robertson officiating. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00 P.M. until 3:30 P.M.