Leona P. Malek

Leona Pauline Malek, passed away suddenly on July 22, 2016 at Vista Medical Center, Waukegan, IL. She was born October 16, 1917 in Chicago, IL. She grew up in Chicago and was one of six children born to the late Louis and Barbara Jokiel. Her parents, four sisters and a brother have all predeceased her.

Leona, a child of the Great Depression, attended one year of high school and then started working to help support the family. She earned a certification to be a Registered Beauty Culturist. Working in this field for several years until she developed an allergic reaction to the products used in her chosen field. She then went to work on the assembly line at the Hershey candy factory. She was a member of the United Candy Workers Union. She enjoyed a good laugh and never forgot the episode of the Lucille Ball show that featured Lucy and Ethyl trying to keep up with wrapping the candies coming down the assembly line. One of the candy bars that she wrapped over and over was an “Oh Henry”.

A few years later in 1940 she married Henry Andrew Malek. Together they raised a large family and with ingenuity and hard work they eventually managed to build a home on the west side of Waukegan with enough space to accommodate their growing children. Henry and Leona were active in local politics; campaigning for the candidates they believed in. Like her granddaughter Heather said, “This being an election year my Grandpa called, “Oh Lee”, a little louder and she went to play her role in heaven.”

With retirement, Leona and Henry enjoyed the freedom to travel. They went to Hawaii a couple times, experienced Las Vegas, enjoyed Florida and Disney World with grandchildren and trips out east to visit family. Following Henry’s death, Leona moved to the Village of Victory Lakes in 1999 where she enjoyed the activities and the friendships of many of the residents. She joined the “Vocaleers” because she liked to sing and had a wonderful voice. With children and grandchildren in Connecticut, Michigan, California, and Texas, she continued to travel to take part in graduations, weddings, and christenings and her family was always happy to have her presence at their important events. She went to the Tonight Show on three occasions when Jay Leno hosted. Each time she was greeted warmly by Jay and received a phone call on one occasion – he wanted to know if she had a good time.

She was married to Henry for 54 years and he preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by an infant son, Jerome Malek (one of a set of twin boys), her son Robert Malek in 2014 and her grandson Randall Hamkins in 2010.

Leona was a loving Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. She was the heart of our family and we will cry and mourn the loss of her smile and her eyes so blue. She is survived by two sons, James A. Malek, Kenosha WI, Lawrence (Lynn) A. Malek, Lake Villa, IL; three daughters, Carolyn (Lee) Hamkins, Pinckney, MI, Patricia (Sal) Zimmitti, San Diego, CA, Linda (Barry) Konet, Madison, CT. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at the Marsh Funeral Home, 305 Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL. Visitation 9:30am – 10:30am Celebration of her life 10:30am – 11:30am. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, IL. The ashes of her son, Robert will also be interned at the family plot at the same time.

Arrangements under the direction of Marsh Funeral Home, Gurnee, IL.