RJ Malone

Robert "RJ" Malone, age 93, of McIntosh, MN passed away on Sunday (July 31st) at First Care Living Center in Fosston, MN. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (August 6th) at the McIntosh Community Center in McIntosh with Father Dave Super presiding. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery-Hansville, rural Fosston, at later time. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the community center. Flag presentation will be provided by the McIntosh V.F.W. Post #6891 and the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home, serving McIntosh, is in charge of the arrangements. Messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com.Robert Joseph Malone was born on September 17, 1917 to Cornelius and Barbara (Miller) Malone in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Robert attended St. Thomas Elementary where he met his sweetheart and future wife, Mary. He attended Crystal Lake High School, but left at the age of 16 to enroll in the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). He joined the Army on February 12, 1941. He fought with the 3rd Division landing on the beach of French Morocco, North Africa fighting through Algeria and Tunisia. From the North African Campaign on to Sicily and Anzio, Italy. He received a head wound on February 20, 1944, seven miles from Rome.He returned to action in France, then Germany and was in Austria when the war ended. He was awarded a Silver Battle Star, 3 Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and 5 Overseas Service Bars along with service ribbons. RJ had earned "146 points."On October 15, 1945 he married Mary Fitzgerald. Robert and Mary farmed in Elkhorn, Wisconsin and Woodstock, Illinois before buying a farm in rural McIntosh in 1972. RJ enjoyed everything about horses. He was a real cowboy and active member of the Horse Fever Club, winning many ribbons and Silver Buckles for Team Penning.He is survived by his wife, Mary; sister Barbara Ann Donahue of Whitewater, WI; sons Robert (Candy) of Crystal Lake, IL, Dan (Marty) of McIntosh, MN, and Michael (Debbie) of Olathe, KS. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his brothers Jim and Bill; and sister, Elaine.