Griffith "Griff" H Malleck

Griffith “Griff” H. Malleck, age 73, of McCook, NE passed away at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE on Sunday, March 3,2024.

Griff was born March 25, 1950, in McCook to parents Lester “Bum” and Wanda L. (Kelly) Malleck. He was one of four siblings who grew up in southwest Nebraska, graduating from Indianola High School with the Class of 1968. Griff furthered his education at McCook Junior College and Colorado Aero Tech, earning a degree in airplane mechanics.

On September 5, 1970, Griff married his high school sweetheart, Vickie M (Gonzales) Malleck in McCook where the couple continued to make their home. Together with Vickie, Griff owned and operated Red Willow Aviation and Chemical for 45 years. Griff also served on the Airport Advisory Commission.

Griff was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the McCook Gun Club, where he enjoyed shooting trap, and the Heritage Antique Tractor Club.  He enjoyed playing golf, hunting, fishing, and boating. Griff was an avid sponsor and supporter of area youth and adult sports teams. In honor of his father, Bum Malleck, Griff organized the Bum Malleck Memorial Threshing which was held each year in conjunction with Indianola Old Settlers Celebration. 2022 marked the event’s 14th year and boosted a record attendance of roughly 700 to 1000 attendees.

Griff was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cathy Malleck-Warner.

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife, Vickie Malleck of McCook; brother, Dave Malleck of Dallas, TX; sister, Pam (Ray) Nokes of McCook, NE; brothers-in-law, Mike (Michelle) Gonzales  and Jim Gonzales, all of McCook, NE; sisters-in-law, Angie (Jeff) Ruppert, Lana (Jim) Stewart and Lori (Brett) Schmidt, all of McCook, NE; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and a host of other extended family members and lifelong friends.