John Malinak

John S. Malinak, Jr., age 65, of Athens, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

John was born July 20, 1950 in Memphis, TN to John Sr. and Wilma Malinak. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

John is survived by his wife, Lisa; his mother Wilma of Macomb, IL; sister Debbie (Gary) Van Beck of Plymouth, IL; four daughters, Jamie Pfistner of Norfolk, VA, Bridget (Gary) Moffitt of Athens, IL, Kristin (Michael) Milligan of Tallula, IL and Ashley (Mike Noonan) Sunley of Flossmoor, IL; one son, Barry Woodford of Macomb, IL; seven grandchildren, Brandon, Alex, Anna, Cain, Fallyn, Henry and Lane. Also surviving are brother-in-law, Mike Barry of Macomb, IL, sister in-law, Jan (Rick) Stoneking of Colchester, IL and several nieces, nephews and many friends.

John was a 1968 graduate of Macomb High School. He joined the United States Airforce in 1970 and served until 1974. He was owner/operator of Family Eyewear, Inc. in Macomb for almost 30 years. He married Lisa Woodford on June 14, 1987. In 2003, they moved to Athens, IL where he was a TSA supervisor before becoming a Museum Exhibit Specialist at the ALPLM in 2005.

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his twice yearly Hicks Crappie Outings to Mark Twain Lake. He was past President of IL Optician Association, a past member of Midwest Bass Association and currently a member of the Macomb American Legion.  He also enjoyed hunting, golfing and Cardinal baseball. His favorite past time was watching his grandkids play in numerous sports.

Visitation for John will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 from 5-8 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be on January 27, 2016 at 11 AM at the funeral home.

Military honors will take place by the Macomb American Legion during graveside service at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens.

Rev. Don Niesler will be officiating.

Memorials can be made to Hospice Care at Memorial Home Services.