Howard Clayton Pavlet

Obituary : Howard Clayton Pavlet November 28, 1929- October 28, 2023
Howard Clayton Pavlet was baptized into God's family and confirmed in his faith at Siloah Lutheran Church, Milwaukee. He was the youngest son of Joseph and Eva (Schmidt) Pavlet. At an early age, Howard enjoying working as a golf caddy, a baseball game score runner (to area taverns) and a stock boy at the A & P grocery store. He graduated from Rufus King High School in 1947. At age 19 he volunteered to serve in the Army and was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington (where, he said, it rained every day) for one year. When he had time off, he would hitchhike to see his family (in Milwaukee) and back, because "soldiers in uniform would always get a ride."
After this Army stint he apprenticed as a carpet installer, on the advice of his father who sold carpeting and furniture at the Wisconsin Avenue Boston Store. When he was making "big bucks" at that job, Uncle Sam called him to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he became a tank mechanic. Howard told us his M6 (tank) tractor's gas mileage was less than one gallon per mile. It was during this time that his weekend passes were mostly spent with his first love-his 1930 Pontiac. He finished his two years of service without having to go to Korea, as the war was winding down.
At 6'3", Howard was known as TDH (tall, dark and handsome). He met Ruth Elaine Meier at the Eagles Club on a Saturday night, early December 1951. Not being one to wait, 22 year old Howard gave 20 year old Ruth an engagement ring on New Year's Eve. They were married at Whitnall Park Lutheran Church on February 28, and had a small reception at the Medford Motel, Milwaukee.
While living in an apartment on 48th street in West Allis, they purchased an empty lot in an undeveloped area on Woodland Place, Muskego. Relying on his high school shop and mechanical drawing classes, studying construction books and Popular Mechanics magazines, Howard built every inch of his home by himself. He would install floor coverings by day and work on the house nights and weekends (This was before the use of air hammers and electric screwdrivers.).
Howard told his children that hearing hymn music and church bells from the St. Paul's Lutheran church speakers as he worked, was a fond memory. According to co-workers and customers, "Pav" was a talented carpet installer, noted for his special sewing, patterning and laying skills in homes and businesses.
Baby Susan Lynn arrived on September 15, 1953 and his son Terry Howard on August 24, 1956. By that time the family had moved into what became the beautiful and friendly Glenbrook subdivision.
After retirement at age 62, Howard used his mechanical, construction and money-saving talents at St. Paul's church, school, parsonages and teacher homes. "Howie" especially enjoyed working at the school due to his love for children.
Even after the loss of his wife in January 2022, Howard continued to live in his home with the help of family and wonderful neighbors. During the morning hours of October 28th, his Savior escorted him to his Perfect Home in heaven. A life-long man of faith, worship and Bible study, his hope was always that all his friends and loved ones would know and grow in the SURE HOPE of eternal life, provided and paid for by Jesus Christ.
Howard was preceded in death by his wife Ruth on January 14, 2022 and by his son Terry on June 12, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his father in 1982, his mother in 1992, his sister Shirley in 2013.
Howard is survived by his daughter Susan (Robert) Fink of Manitowoc, and daughter-in-law Kathryn Pavlet of Dousman. He is further survived by two grandsons, Jacob (Shelly) Fink of Milwaukee, Jared (Abbey) Fink of DePere, three grand-daughters, Anna (Andrew) Hill of Holland, Michigan, Maya and Lauren Pavlet of Dousman, and one great grand-daughter Euphemia Lila Fink of DePere. All of whom he dearly loved and prayed for.
Howard is also survived by his brother Donald Pavlet (North Carolina) many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Special thanks to: Pastor Bonack (whose visits and singing Howard so appreciated), Beth Kutka for writing weekly letters, Julie Buss for weekly visits and assistance, and Glenbrook neighbors: Tim, Keith, Eileen, Bonnie and Jim for their check-ins, friendships, and unsolicited help. You are all a priceless blessing!
The family would also like to thank: Hannah Home Care, Centerwell Home Therapy, the V. A., Froedtert Menomonee Falls hospital 5th floor staff, Horizon Hospice, and extra appreciation to Touching Hearts at Home and Gloria, who gave excellent care, respect, and prayers for Dad/Grandpa during his last days on earth.
Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Hartson Funeral Home of Hales Corners, and will be held on Saturday, November 4that St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Muskego. Pastor Jeffrey Bonack will officiate. Visitation will be noon to 2:00, followed by the funeral service and committal, also at St. Paul's. Everyone will be invited to a light lunch be served in the Grace Room of the church.
In lieu of flower donations, please instead gift St. Paul's Lutheran Church Muskego, Wisconsin for memorials in Howard's name. Thank you.
"We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." I Thessalonians 4:14