It is with both heavy hearts and joyous memories that we announce the passing of Heli Lee Malkowski, who left this world peacefully on May 29, 2026, at the age of 79. Heli was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, whose vibrant spirit and love for life touched everyone who knew him.

Born on December 6, 1946, Heli grew up with an adventurous spirit and a passion for storytelling. He met his beloved wife in high school, and they shared a beautiful marriage that lasted until her passing in 1997. Together, they built a family that he cherished profoundly. Heli is survived by his sons, Heli Jon (Michelle) and Bryan (Jennifer) Malkowski ; his daughter, Wendy (Del) Bancroft; his cherished grandchildren, Julie (Ian) Thompson, Alexander Malkowski, Zachary Malkowski, and Heli Malkowski; and his brother, Craig (Roberta) Malkowski.

A proud veteran of the Army, Heli embodied the values of service and dedication throughout his life. He spent over 30 years as a Safety Lab Supervisor with Ford Motor Company, where he played an instrumental role in safety testing, earning the respect of his peers and a sense of pride as a Ford retiree.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Heli had a passion for bowling and was a cherished member of the Ford bowling league. He also loved everything about racing, from keeping score at the Enduro-Racing events at Flat Rock Speedway to drag racing with his beloved Ford Falcon in his younger years. His passion for classic cars led to his recent excitement for a gifted 1956 Crown Victoria that he was eager to restore.

Heli's love for camping created countless precious memories with his family, from laughter-filled trips to cherished quiet moments under the stars. He was also a long-time member of St. John's Lutheran Church, serving as their sound system technician for nearly 20 years, a role that showcased his dedication to his community.

Known for his outgoing personality, Heli embraced life with sociability and warmth. He was a story-teller at heart, weaving tales from his past into the fabric of everyday conversations, leaving everyone entertained and smiling.

As we gather to remember Heli, we invite all who knew him to celebrate the extraordinary impact he made on our lives. He may be gone from our sight, but he will always remain in our hearts-forever a part of our cherished memories and stories shared.

Heli was preceded in death by: his beloved wife, Patricia Malkowski, and parents, Heli and Marjorie Malkowski