Joseph L. Malach, 86

Joseph L. “Little Joe” Malach passed “into the loving, waiting arms of his dear Elsie” on June 17, 2014.

“Joey," as Elsie referred to him, was born Oct. 25, 1927, in Chicago. Joe was adopted into the Malach family at a young age, and was later joined by sibling Mary. Together they completed the loving family of Roman and Marie Malach and resided in Dixon, Ill.

Joe's working career included Reynolds Wire Steel Mill, Milwaukee Railroad and 23-plus years with the GSA.

Joe joined the Army in 1948 and was honorably discharged in 1953. It was while Joe was enlisted in the Army that he befriended Elsie's brother Rudy and an exchange of letter writing occurred between Joe and Elsie, resulting in marriage. In 1955, Elsie became Mrs. Joseph L. Malach. From this marriage two children were born, Teresa and Robert. In 1961, they moved to Montana and resided in Missoula until they moved to Kalispell in 2007, to be under the care of their daughter Teresa.

Joe was a tinkerer, scrapper and recycler all of his life. From copper and brass to steel and cardboard, Joe was seen in his Ford pickup, going here and there picking up recyclables. He was a busy little man, a loving little man. He loved his family, but especially loved his little dog Missy and cat Julianna.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and wife Elsie.

He is survived by children, Teresa and Ed Nelson of Kalispell, and Robert and Tracy of Helena; grandchildren, Lance, Natalie, Jason and Kimberlee; and great-grandchildren, Tristan and Fallon.

A memorial service will be determined at a later date.