Joel David Malenovsky was born on May 30, 1973, in Miles City, Montana, to Carla King and Wes Malenovsky. He graduated from Custer County District High School in 1992.
Over the years, Joel worked at a variety of places—including the jokingly nicknamed “Taco Joel’s Johns” –before finding his calling in construction. After gaining experience with several contractors, he struck out on his own and founded JM Construction, a business he poured his heart into.
In 2002, Joel met his future wife, Samatha Hollowell. The two dated off and on until February 13, 2004, when Joel proposed. Why Friday the 13th? Simply because he couldn’t wait until Valentine’s Day. They were married a year later, on May 14, 2005.
Joel and Samantha welcomed their first daughter, Caitlin, on April 8, 2008. Joel proudly chose her name himself. Their second daughter, Brooklin, was born on October 19, 2010, bringing even more joy into their lives.
Joel was a loving husband—sometimes causing his wife great grief but always standing by her side through many health struggles. He was her steady shoulder to lean on, even when he was the only support she had.
Those who knew Joel understood his deep love for animals. His faithful dog Gepetto was a familiar sight on job sites, later followed by Peyton. He also adored cats, often dancing with them while singing Stayin’ Alive or a tune from Guns N’ Roses.
As a dad, Joel poured his heart into his daughters. When they were little, Sundays became a ritual: a trip to the gas station, then off to Walmart, where the girls would drop hints about toys—and Joel, ever the pushover, would happily oblige. At home, the garage turned into a jam session, with Joel singing off-key while the girls banged on buckets with wrenches, or into an arena for lightsaber battles that sometimes went a little too far. He was always present at their sports games, cheering from his truck with all the dogs in tow. Joel loved boating with Brooklin and hunting with Caitlin, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Generous to the core, Joel never hesitated to help others—whether by lending a hand, a tool, or a piece of equipment, usually free of charge. He always seemed to have just what you needed, thanks in part to never missing a DeWalt sale. He believed strongly in second chances and tried to see the best in everyone, sometimes to a fault.
Joel’s passing leaves a deep ache in the hearts of his family. His wife, who shared a lifetime of love, challenges, and laughter with him, feels the absence of her greatest companion and steadfast supporter. The quiet moments, once filled with Joel’s presence, now remind her of the strength and comfort he always provided. His kids miss their dad’s big heart, his sense of humor, and the way he made every day brighter. They hold tight to his stories, his advice, and the love that will always surround them. Though their hearts ache, they carry him with them in everything they do.
Joel is survived by his wife, Samantha; daughters, Caitlin and Brooklin; mother and father Carla King and Wes Malenovsky; sister, Amber Malenovsky, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Joel’s name to the American Diabetes Association – Montana. For donations by mail: P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA, 22116.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, MT.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 12, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 12, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Elaine Forman says
Dear Sam,
I am so, so sorry! Joel was such a nice guy. I loved visiting with him at the Star. I’m sending many prayers for you and your family.
Rissa and Ian Seabolt says
We sure are going to miss this guy. Lots of good memories constructing homes together. Always with a buddy too. May family and friends comfort you and the girls during this horrible time. Big hugs and many prayers.
Susanne Galbraith says
Dear Sam,
I am so very sorry to hear about Joel. May your memories sustain you through this difficult time. 💔
Rick Kransky says
I was shocked and sorry to hear about Joel. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, the girls, and family.
Connie and Ron Watts says
Sam, we are so terribly sorry to hear about Joel. May God comfort you and your family and bring you peace and strength.
Lorilee Becker says
Dear Sam & Family, Carla, Amber & Family ~ we are so sorry for your loss, words fail at a time like this… You all will be in our thoughts and prayers… With Deepest Sympathy ~
Ryan and Lorilee Becker
Deb Klauzer Kosbab says
Sending thoughts from afar, family lineage prevails….
Steven Allen says
Sam.
I’m so sorry to hear about Joel. He was a good friend and great guy. I will miss him. Take care
Donna Schaefer says
Sending our sympathies to your family during this difficult time
Dannette Cremer says
Sam,
Deepest Sympathy to you and your girls – may you keep his memory close to your heart.
Muriel Selk says
Another one gone too soon. So sorry Sam and Wes. May your memories comfort you at this hard time.
Kelsey Merritt says
Sam,
Sending you healing and love amidst this loss. Thinking of you and your girls and sending you hugs.
Michelle Simpson says
Sam and girls we are so very very sorry for your loss. I don’t think Joel ever met a stranger. He was nice to all. He will certainly be missed not only by you but the community at large Jim and I hold you close in thought and prayers for the days ahead. we love you sweet lady. If there’s anything we can do my phone number hasn’t changed. Give us a call anytime day or night.
Becky Stanton says
Sam and girls. My heart is breaking for you all. What a beautiful family he was blessed with. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers
Mark Winkley says
Joel’s generosity and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need made him a true friend. Above all, Joel cherished time with his daughters and wife, finding joy in everyday moments together. His devotion to his family was clear in every story told and every smile shared. He had a gentle spirit, a quick laugh and was proud of the life they built and the love they shared always putting family first. Joel’s impact reached far beyond his home. He was the one people turned to for help, never hesitating to show up when his skills were needed. Joel’s love of animals and his kindness to all creatures, he used to say he’d rather hang out with them because you didn’t have to worry about them talking back and they were always happy to see you. For those who knew him, he will always be remembered as a loving husband, brother, father, a caring friend, and a man whose generosity touched others.
Rita George says
So sorry, a nice guy
Claudia Kransky says
My thought and prayers go out to you Carla. What a loss. I will a!ways remember Joel when the kids were little and the whole world….or at least Southgate….was in front of them.
Susan and Dennis Bakken says
So very sorry for your loss
Gail Krezelak says
Sam and family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kim Stanton says
Dear family,
I’m deeply saddened to read about your beloved Joel passing. May God comfort you all as you face the coming days. Sending prayers for your strength, peace, and fortitude as you navigate life going forward.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Kim Stanton and family
Paul says
Joel and I were friends for as long as I can remember. We created a million memories over the years. Those I hold the closest were from age 15 to 21. I often to this day think about all the good times we had during a simple time. I wouldn’t change a thing about our friendship. I could count on Joel to be there when times were tough. I respected Joel for his ability to live life how he wanted never getting caught up in what others thought. He was truly one of a kind. Joel was a true friend and I will miss him dearly.
Vida. Landa says
The world lost a good one with Joel’s passing. I have nothing but good memories of working with him on projects. Those projects are now a testament to his skills. Sure gonna miss him.
I can only imagine the loss Sam and his daughters are feeling. I hope that they will find the peace that only time can bring and cherish the memories that they made with him. . .
Lorretta Rebsom Stein says
Sam and girls, yes your husband, daddy was an amazing young man. He always had a happy smile and was so kind. Talk about him often and keep those happy memories alive on your hearts.
Chris Bastian says
Sam and family… I am so sorry for your loss. Joel and I knew each other from childhood living out at South Gate Meadows. We hit it off right from the start… countless wiffle ball games in his tiny front yard (occasionally kissing one off the living room window), bike rides around the hills (minus Joel’s broken collar bone), and sniping birds off the neighbors bird feeder (sorry Mr Eddie). Joel had the greatest smile and was always eager to chat. Our last meeting was at Walmart a couple summers ago… even though we hadn’t seen each other in quite a while our conversation picked up right where it left off. Man, I’m going to miss him.
Marcy Parks says
Sam and family, I am so sorry! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Al Homme says
So Sad, he was a very nice person
Ryan Oddy says
Sam,
So very sorry to hear about Joel. He was a great friend and will always remembered. Praying for healing for all of the family.
Gary Oddy and Family
Julie Krutzfeldt says
My sincere sympathy to you and the girls, Sam. Sending love, prayers and hugs your way.
Patty Mott says
Dearest Caitlin
I was so sad to read about your loss. It is so hard loosing your dad. I miss mine every day, even though he’s been gone for 14 years now. Stay strong, and eventually you’ll remember all of the good times you had with your dad.
All the best to you and your family. Kind regards, Mrs (Mme) Mott
mary lafayette says
prayers for the family sorry for your loss
Sherry L Holmes (Vorraso) says
To his family my heart goes out to you in many ways. The struggles and challenges he had I am greatly thankful he had a support. He will be missed but we have his stories. We will not forget him. I worked with him at a Taco John’s. (I have many memories of him snapping wet towels at me. One snap at my leg scared me.We laughed forever that day.) Rest in peace Joel.