Janesville, WI - Donald R. Pavek, age 88, of Janesville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice on Saturday, February 3, 2024, after an extended illness. Don was born in Winona, Minnesota, on July 6, 1935, to George and Violet (Nelson) Pavek, the fourth of five children. He attended and was baptized at Calvary Bible Church in Winona, MN. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at age 15 while attending Grindstone Bible Camp. His faith served as the cornerstone of his life. His family is grateful that he is at peace in Heaven but will miss him every single day.

Don graduated from Winona High School in 1953. He continued his education for 1 year at Midwest Bible and Missionary School in St. Louis, Missouri, and he graduated with a B.A. in Bible and Christian Education from Northwestern College, Minneapolis, MN. Later Don earned a B.S. in Education and an M.S. in Administration from Winona State University. He met his future wife at a church picnic, and on August 20, 1966, he married Virginia L. Richards at Central Lutheran Church in Winona, MN.

Don taught for 30 years at Edison and Marshall Middle Schools in Janesville, focusing primarily on English and reading. He was a member of various professional organizations and an active member of Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church where he sang in the choir, enjoyed Bible studies, and loved to participate in the Wednesday morning Men's Breakfast Group.

Don was a Camp Decorah Bible Counselor for many years, and he made many lifelong friends during his time there. He volunteered at Cedar Crest, Janesville Literary Society, and the Janesville Convention and Visitor's Bureau. He enjoyed talking with the people who stopped by the Visitor's center, many of whom were seeking directions, but ended up learning a lot more about Janesville and the surrounding areas.

Don loved to teach and share his love of reading with his students. He was a devoted husband and father, and he enjoyed cooking and baking for his family. He especially loved to prepare traditional Sunday dinners each week and looked forward to baking Christmas cookies each year. He and his wife frequently took walks around their neighborhood each evening. Don took pride in his yard and the family's large garden that he and his wife planted each year. He enjoyed tending to the yard and flowers for many years until he could no longer do so. Don's passion for reading served him well as he read countless books during his last few years at home. He passed his love of reading and learning onto his children.

Survivors include his loving family: wife of 57 years, Virginia Pavek; children Julie (John) Olson; and David (Jamie) Pavek; precious granddaughters, Katelyn (17) and Samantha (13) Olson; his sister Audrey Holien, and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings (Robert Pavek, Delores Corey, and Virginia Strand); sister-in-law Edith Pavek; and brothers-in law David Holien, Dick Corey, and Harley Strand.

A heartfelt thank you to Lynn Middleton & the outstanding staff at Agrace Hospice and (home) caregiver Dawn Vincent for taking such excellent care of Don and treating him like family. Thank you also to Don's oncologist Dr. Emily Robinson and her staff for not giving up on him and enabling us to enjoy his presence for as long as we did. We are forever grateful to you all.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the ROCK PRAIRIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 86605 E. County HWY A, Janesville, WI; with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. A graveside committal service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 12th at the Woodlawn Cemetery, 506 West Lake Blvd., Winona, MN, 55987. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting his family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

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Published by The Gazette from Feb. 6 to Feb. 7, 2024.