Eugene D. Malir

Eugene D. “Gene” Malir, of Wilson, KS, passed away on March 26, 2023, at the Ellsworth County Medical Center in Ellsworth, KS, at the age of 91. He was born on January 9, 1932, at the Ellsworth Hospital, the son of Edward and Mary (Krupp) Malir. Gene was a lifelong farmer in Noble Township living only a mile from where he grew up on land homesteaded in 1880. He attended Pleasant Hill County School for eight years and graduated from Wilson High School in 1949. He attended Benedictine College and then received a 2-year agricultural degree from Kansas State University. He met Fran Mastek, a teacher at WHS, and they were married on July 19, 1956, in Tampa, KS. Two children were born to their union, and he loved raising them and being involved in their activities.

Over the years, Gene loved being a farmer and stockman learning to drive his father’s new John Deere Model B tractor at age 6, raising crops and cattle in addition to being a dealer for seed companies. His faith was very important to him; he was a lifelong member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and served on the Church Council several times as well as numerous committees.

He was a life member of the Wilson Knights of Columbus and past Grand Knight, the Msgr. John Maher Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Salina, and the Kansas Czechs. He served on the Noble Township Board, the Ellsworth County Conservation Board, and helped organize the Wilson Winners 4-H Club serving as a leader and community volunteer. He enjoyed playing poker with friends and belonged to a couple’s Pitch club. Baseball was his favorite sport; he played town team ball for Blackwolf and Wilson. An avid football fan of the Kansas State Wildcats, he spent many Saturdays attending home games until his health declined. He watched and cheered on the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs.

On September 10, 2004, Gene married Alice (Doubrava) Macek at St. Wenceslaus Church. They enjoyed family gatherings, attending polka dances, traveling, and having lunch at the Wilson Senior Center with friends. He especially enjoyed the music of Barefoot Becky and the Mollie B Polka Show.

Gene took seriously the charge of God, to take care of the earth and all that is in it, and to leave the land better than he found it. With strong faith and abiding hope, he worked hard, loved greatly, and now rests from his labors. He will be remembered in love.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Fran; parents, Ed and Mary; sister, Marilyn Mattas; and sister-in-law, Joan Malir.

Survivors include his wife Alice; son, Rick (Bonnie) of Dublin, OH; daughter, Nancy of Alexandria, VA; step-son, Jerry (Sandy Sanders) Macek of Wilson; step-daughter, Ramona (Kathy Osborne) Macek of Topeka, KS; step-grandchildren: Joe Macek, Amber (Corry) Kepka, Josh (Laurie) Pekar, and Courtney (Ryan) Smith; seven step-great-grandchildren; brother, Ken of Salina, KS; brother-in-law, Richard Mattas of Mt. Vernon, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:30 AM at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. Visitation will be on Wednesday, 2PM until the Vigil and Rosary Service at 7PM, with the family present to receive friends 6-8PM, at the funeral home in Wilson.

Memorials are suggested to Smoky Hills Community Foundation - for Eugene D. Malir Fund or Wilson Senior Center and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.