Fred C. Malnar, age 90, of 15 North 5th Street, Gladstone, died Sunday October 23, 2005, at the Christian Park Village Health Care Facility in Escanaba. 

Fred was born June 28, 1915, in Ewen, MI, the son of Matt and Rose (Gergerich) Malnar.  He was raised in Ewen and attended the Ewen schools.  Following school, Fred worked on the family farm until relocating to the Rapid River area, in 1936, where he went to work at the Swallow Inn Tavern, which was established by his two late brothers, Matt and John.  While working at the Swallow Inn, Fred met his wife, the former Violet Olson, and on January 19, 1937, the couple married at the First Lutheran Church, located in Gladstone.  In 1944, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during the WWII era.  Following his enlistment, he returned to Gladstone where he remained until his health began to fail in September of this year.  Fred was employed for over 30 years for the Mead Paper Corporation, as a pipe fitter, retiring in 1978.  In his early years, Fred worked for the C.C.C’s (Civilian Conservation Corp.) and the W.P.A. (Works Progress Administration), organizations commissioned by the government to aid in helping the American society attain employment positions due to the strains of the Great Depression.  He was also employed for Marble Cards, making electric motors and for a short period of time for the city of Gladstone.  Fred was the founder of the Mead Rod and Gun Club and creator of the Fishing & Hunting Days Program at the Mead Rod and Gun Club.  He was a member of the Gladstone Senior Citizens and enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Fred was fondly remembered for making fishing lures, which resulted in his unique hobby of creating handmade earrings, that he gladly gave to many people throughout the area.  His handmade earrings are known to have made it as far as Australia, Hawaii and Russia. 

Survivors include:

2 Sons:  Fred A. (Marlene) Malnar of Brampton, MI; John (Pam) Malnar of Gladstone, MI

3 Daughters:  Nina (Nels) Swanson of Escanaba, MI; Bonnie LaBelle of Gladstone, MI; Sally (Calvin) Patterson of Gladstone, MI

2 Sisters in law:  Grace Malnar of Ewen, MI; Dolly Malnar of Escanaba, MI

Survivors also include, 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

In addition to his parents, Matt and Rose and his wife, Violet, Fred was preceded in death by:

5 Brothers:  Matt, John, Ed, Art and Jim

6 Sisters:  Rose, Frances, Mary, Katherine, Ida and Alice

1 Grandson:  Paul Patterson in 1976

Family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Fred Malnar will follow visitation, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, at 6:00PM, with Elder Mike Balenger of the Community of Christ Church officiating.  Luncheon will follow at the Community of Christ Fellowship Hall in Gladstone.  Committal will be on Thursday at 11:00AM at the Fernwood Cemetery.  The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Malnar family with arrangements.  Contributions in Fred’s name may be directed to O.S.F. Hospice.  Envelopes will be made available at the Skradski Funeral Home.