Samuel David Malkovich

Sam Malkovich was ever the warm, generous and kind-hearted man that many came to know and love. Never one to seek the limelight, he was rather shy in his own way, but he surely knew how to have fun. Sam was the type of man who loved the wide open spaces, and together with the family he deeply cared for, he experienced the joys of living a simple yet fulfilling life with those he loved by his side. Never to be forgotten, memories of Sam will continue to enlighten the hearts of many in the days to come.

Sam’s story began at a more gentler time in our nation. The Great Depression was becoming a faint memory, and families were more stable than ever before. Although conservative in nature, the decade of the 1950s sculpted the culture of America. From music to movies, art and media, to beloved comic strips and cartoons, households were introduced to a whole new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy boomed as the suburban dream was being realized. Yet in the Wisconsin city of Milwaukee, nothing was more exciting in the lives of George J “Dun” and Ann H. “Red” (Hall) Malkovich than what the New Year had to offer when they welcomed the birth of their little boy, Samuel David Malkovich on January 10, 1950.

The oldest of four, Sam later welcomed and was raised alongside his younger siblings, Debra , Craig “Rusty”, and Wendy in their family home on Mineral Street. When he was around seven years old, his parents moved their family to the country where the kids could roam free and live out their youth with adventure. They made their home on picturesque Waubeesee Lake in the township of Norway. Sam thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors as a kid and created fond memories of times spent playing with family and friends. He experienced his share of mischief, too, and many times his shenanigans caught up with him, which often found him grounded!

Sam attended Lakeview Elementary School and Muskego High School, graduating in 1968. After high school, he went on to enlist in the U.S. Air Force in 1969 at the height of these tumultuous times. During the war, Sam worked as an aircraft weapons system mechanic stationed in Thailand. Having attained the rank of Sergeant, Sam was honorably discharged in September of 1973. Like many who have experienced the ravages of war, Sam never talked much about this time in his life.

Following his return home from the service, Sam worked for a time at the Allen Bradley Company as a nondurable parts maker. He later moved into the world of computers, and his longtime career, which became Sam’s ultimate niche in life. Sam eventually landed a position working for FIS Global as a computer analyst-troubleshooter. He was dedicated to his work, and very seldom took time off, often working from home.

Sam never married and remained living at his family homestead on the lake with his parents and brother, Rusty. He was extremely close to his brother, and suffered greatly when Rusty was suddenly taken in an automobile accident in 1976, at the age of 21. Sam was also very close to his mother, and took her death in 1991 quite hard, as well.

To Sam, there was no place quite like home, and he absolutely loved living on the lake. Always a kid at heart, it was like a giant playground for him. He wind surfed, and loved teaching his nephew and niece, and later their children, how to catch frogs. Through the years Sam owned several boats, and enjoyed taking family and friends out on the lake. The summer holidays were sure to be filled with fun times on the water. Sam usually did most of the grilling, and always had something exciting for the kids to do up his sleeve. Memories of him saying, “I saw this, and thought it would be fun!” will always bring sweet remembrance of Sam.

Sam tried his hand at gardening, and when he did take vacations, they were usually centered around wind surfing, three wheeling with family, or some other outdoor activity. Whenever he watched football, Sam always thought he was a jinx because the family team always seemed to lose. His beloved canine companion, whom he loved dearly, was never far from Sam’s side. In fact, Sam loved all the area dogs near their home. With his shy nature, he was reluctant when it came to receiving any recognition for anything he did. He particularly didn’t like having his photo taken, and would even turn away from the camera.

One of a kind, lives will never be the same without Sam Malkovich in their midst. He was a gentle, considerate and helpful man whose good-natured ways were enjoyed by all. His family brought him the greatest joy, and he also truly loved and appreciated his friends and neighbors. He cultivated a place of honor that no one can replace, and will be deeply missed forevermore. After battling cancer for two years with many ups and downs, Sam decided it was time to move on to a better place.

At the age of 65, Samuel D. Malkovich sadly passed away on Friday, 6, 2015. He was the beloved son of George J. “Dun” and the late Helen “Red” Malkovich (nee Hall); loving brother of Debra (Terry) Pichler, Wendy (Matthew) Rosecky and the late Rusty Malkovich; cherished uncle of Cory (Shannon) Pichler and Carrie (Daniel) Cleveland; great-uncle of Jackson and Finnly. Sam is further survived by other relatives and friends. Visitation with his family will take place on Friday, February 13, 2015 at the Suminski LifeStory Funeral Home-Niemann / Suminski, 2486 S. Kinnickinnic Ave (414) 744-5156 from 11:00 AM until time of his funeral service at 12:00 PM. Interment Good Hope Cemetery. To share a favorite memory of Sam and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com.