Walter A. Malecki

Malecki, Walter A. Passed away on November 11, 2011, at the age of 88. Born November 8, 1923, in East Chicago, Indiana, to John and Mary (Monastarski) Malecki. Husband of the late Patricia (Pinkley). Loving father of John (Barb), Thomas (Judy), Richard, Charles, and the late Kenneth. Further survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Raised on Milwaukee's Polish south side, Walter attended Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish grammar school. He graduated from Boy's Technical High School in June of 1941, and started a Machinist apprenticeship at Nordberg Manufacturing Company. Walter's apprenticeship, however, was delayed by his service in the Army Air Force during World War II. After completing his basic training at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Walter was selected for the Army Air Force Aviation Cadet Training Program. While awaiting his officer candidate training to start in Miami Beach, Florida., he once spotted newlyweds Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles; Walter would often say Rita Hayworth was the most beautiful women he had ever met. Wartime needs of the Army Air Force forced Walter to attend Aerial Gunnery School at Tyndall Air Field, Florida. Upon completion, he was assigned as a tail gunner to a B-24 Liberator crew, and received further training at Mountain Home Air Field, Idaho. Shortly after, Walter and his crew were transferred to the 485th Heavy Bombardment Group of the 15th Air Force in Venosa, Italy. For the trip overseas, he had to endure an unpleasant ride on the Liberty ship SS Peter Minuit. Walter's first mission was a bombing run over Regensburg, Germany, in November of 1944. On his third mission, Walter was injured after his B-24 made a crash landing on the Italian shore, narrowly avoiding having to make a dangerous ditch in the Adriatic Sea, as the B-24 would only float for a few seconds. Walter was twice wounded in action; over Germany on February 5, 1945 and over Austria on February 14, 1945. After Victory in Europe Day, Walter was assigned to Santa Ana Air Field, California, through the Summer of 1945. While there, he once paid a visit to the Hollywood Canteen, and quickly found himself having a twirl on the dance floor with Bette Davis. Walter was honorably discharged on October 6, 1945, at Truax Field, Wisconsin, and rushed over to Camp Randall Stadium on that Saturday afternoon to attend a Wisconsin Badger football game. Immediately after coming home, Walter continued with his Machinist apprenticeship at Nordberg Manufacturing Company, completing the program in May of 1947. Walter then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His studies were cut short, however, by an automobile accident in September of 1948. Walter's right femur was shattered after the taxi cab he was riding in was hit by a drunk driver, and spent several months in traction in the zero ward at the old Saint Luke's hospital on Madison Street. After recovering, Walter spent the next half dozen years working as a Journeyman Machinist. Starting in 1954, Walter spent two years training to become a Tool and Die Designer, an occupation he worked in for the next 40 years. While working at Delco Electronics in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, he helped to design special tooling for the manufacture of the Apollo Space Program's guidance systems, and for the Boeing 747 Carousel IV navigation automation system. Walter was forced to finally retire after receiving coronary artery bypass surgery in February of 1995. While a boy, Walter would caddie at the old Tuckaway Country Club, and would continue his love of golf throughout his life. He was also an ardent bowler, having captained more than a few championship bowling teams. Walter was a fan of the original Milwaukee Brewers minor league baseball team, and attended many games at the old Borchert Field. His love of baseball continued when the Milwaukee Braves arrived in 1953. In retirement, Walter continued to enjoy Milwaukee Brewers baseball, Green Bay Packers football, and both Wisconsin Badger football and basketball. He also spent many hours working on crossword puzzles, and would read at least three newspapers everyday. Taking long walks was one of Walter's favorite activities, and continued until his health started to fail in recent years. Walter was a very kind and good man who continued to fight his many health problems through the end of his life, and will be deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Graveside services will be held Wednesday November 16, 2011 at 1 PM with Military Honors at St. Adalbert Cemetery (3801 S. 6th Street Milwaukee, WI). Plese meet at the cemetery.