Delores Marie Malena

Let us tell you about our wonderful mama…Delores Marie (Cada) Malena, known as Dee to her friends, was born February 4, 1939 to Edwin and Adella (Sedlak) Cada. Much to her delight, little redheaded Dee, and her big sister Darlene grew up on the family farm in Clarkson, Nebraska, their parents instilling in them a deep work ethic, trust in God, and a great compassion for people. As Dee grew she enjoyed sewing, 4H, and school dances. Life was wholesome and good..

We are grateful for a seemingly simple decision to learn to play the clarinet because that opened the door to God’s wonderful plan…Who knew that squeaky clarinet concerts in the pasture to an audience of cows would lead to us three girls?! Fortunately for us, tall, dark and handsome Dave Malena also played the clarinet and Dee and Dave’s paths were woven together as they traded being 1st and 2nd chair clarinet players in the band throughout their high school careers. You guessed it. Dee and Dave fell in love. These high school sweethearts continued down life’s happy path.

With a thirst for excellence, Dee became a teacher in a one room country schoolhouse, teaching 1st through 8th grade where she received many hugs and accolades. Dave sold his state fair blue ribbon cow to purchase Dee’s engagement ring and...She said yes! Dee was thrilled to marry the love of her life on June 7, 1960. Just like that, Jill, Julie and Jenelle fell like rain drops, and their little family was quickly in full bloom.

Dee and Dave leapt into a wonderful adventure by moving to West Des Moines, Iowa as Dave accepted an editor position with Meredith Publishing eventually becoming managing editor of Better Homes and Gardens. Dee was blessed to be a stay at home mom, spending her time pouring out her wisdom and loving patience on us three girls, Jill, Julie and Jenelle. With an abundance of life, she taught us to love God and love people.

Dee and Dave were deeply involved in the deaconate program at Sacred Heart Church making huge banners and leading pre-marriage counseling. Mom and Dad welcomed a steady stream of hurting people who came to them for prayer, love and life council. Their passion for people led to becoming a shelter home for Iowa Run Away Service where mama treated weary battered girls with tender mercy. It seemed our house always had a revolving door of long and short term guests which was well suited for Mom’s extraordinary gift of hospitality.

Sadly an unexpected early death of Dave caused a quick turn of events for Dee. But of course, just as God promises, He turned her life around for good. As Dee worked through her grief, she found joy again and she had a life filled with friends, walking buddies, hiking in the mountains, dancing, healthy eating, enjoying the state fair, and picking up shells on the beach. Her own walk out of grief gave her a passion to help others find their path out of grief. A match made in heaven, Dee served as the bereavement director for Hospice of Central Iowa for the next 28 years. As she journeyed in joy, Dee found love in her longtime friend Mike Polosky. After a long courtship, Mike swept Dee off her feet and they were joined in marriage. Now we had three more amazing siblings…Maggie, Kate, and Michael.

Dee and Mike partnered together in service as they lead groups for both Beginning Experience and Young Adults Beginning Experience (YABE) where they made a deep impact on many hearts. Blessed with life long friends, a love of nature, art, games, silliness and deep heartfelt conversations, Dee lived life to the full. She is now in heaven dancing with Jesus and catching up with Dave, Mike and her parents and has left a legacy of life in her family tree. Her six children: Jill Kloos (John), Julie Borchert (Bryan), Jenelle Eickelberg (Ted), Maggie Drucker (Eric), Kate Hill, and Michael Polosky (Lori). Her twelve grandchildren: Cody Hess (Alaina), Courtney Hess (Travis), Nick Borchert (Carrie), Zach Borchert (Amy), Jake Borchert (Kari), Abbie Kampman (Curt), Hannah Eickelberg (Jacob), Amelia Eickelberg, Keeley Hill, Meara Hill, Caroline Polosky and Claire Polosky. Her eleven great grands: Rowan Hess, Evie Borchert, Eddie Borchert, Emma Borchert, Adelyn Borchert, Leighton Borchert, Will Kampman, Alex Kampman, Sam Kampman, Max Kampman and Charlie Kampman.

Dee lives on in all of us here and now. Blessing you with rivers of peace now and forever.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church or Wesley Acres-Good Samaritan fund.