Alex John Malenchik, 82, of Rockford, IL, passed away surrounded by loved ones, April 19, 2026, in Rockford, IL.

Alex was born in Chicago, IL to Alexander and Anne Malenchik on December 16, 1943. He graduated from J Sterling Morton High School in 1961. A short time later Alex started working for Donnelley Marketing, which is where he met the love of his life, Bonnie Chorley. On April 24,1965, they were wed and shared 30 years of devoted marriage until her passing in 1994.

A dedicated professional, Alex worked in direct marketing his whole career mostly with Donnelley Marketing. His career journey took him and Bonnie from Chicago to Wilson, NC, and eventually to Ames, IA, where they raised their son, Mark, and daughter, Valerie. Beyond his professional life, Alex loved being active and participated in rec league softball for years and shared his love of the game by coaching both of his children’s teams as they grew up. Alex remained fiercely loyal to his favorite teams, always rooting for the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and Iowa State Cyclones. Following retirement, he moved to Altoona, IA, and later settled in Rockford, IL, to be near the family he cherished.

Affectionately known by family and friends as "Poka," Alex was a man who truly appreciated the good things in life—whether it was a winning hand of cards, the peace of a sunny beach, or the energy of a classic rock and roll show. He was always ready for a few cold beers and a laugh with friends or spending time at a family celebration.

He is survived by his son, Mark (Christy) Malenchik; his daughter, Valerie (George) Christian; and his two granddaughters whom he absolutely adored, Alexandra (Adam) Lindsey and Elizabeth (Tamara) Malenchik, brother Robert (Sandy) Malenchik, nephew Joseph (Jaime) Malenchik, niece Debra Malenchik, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Peggy and his beloved wife, Bonnie.

A visitation for Alex will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 10:00 through 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. A Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Chad McKenna officiating. Interment at Scandinavian Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Alex’s honor to the Try-Beta Club. Alex was a proud member of this organization, which distributes funds to many local charities he felt passionate about.