Robert Stephen Pavlic MD

Pavlic MD, Robert Stephen

There's a bright, new star in the heavenly dominions. 95-year-old Dr. Bob Pavlic left us to join his beloved wife, Sandy, on Monday, July 14, 2025, for their eternal forevermore. Bob and Sandy shared a wonderful 62 years together.

First in his family to attend college, Dr. Pavlic was so proud to have graduated from Marquette University--both undergrad '51 and medical school (gynecology/obstetrics) '54. After serving in the Air Force and time in Chicago for his residency Bob built a new home in Brookfield for his young family. He was a resident for over 60 years, living next-door and sharing many cocktail hours with daughter, Patti and Bart for over 23 of them.

A Founder of Elmbrook Hospital, Bob delivered over 7,000 babies at Elmbrook and West Allis Memorial hospitals-including his future daughter-in-law, Annie McFadzen. He also served as Chief of Staff from 1985-1987. Wherever he traveled, random women would run up to him and enthusiastically say, "Dr. Pavlic! You delivered my baby!" Seeing his patients would always bring a smile to his face.

Summers were spent at their cottage on North Lake with golf at Chenequa Country Club for over 50 years. Proud Captain of his party boat up until Summer 2024 for cocktail hour and watching sailboat races, "Uncle" Bob to many was also an endlessly patient speed boat driver and water ski instructor. He loved 4th of July celebrations and found great joy in lighting off fireworks, attending the Stone Bank parade, hosting parties and cooking chickens, pigs or lamb on his "spit" over hot coals. Our dad loved fireworks!

The best ever Santa Claus – making stops at 15+ homes on Christmas Eves jingling his bells and gathering families to sing a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells before leaving for the next stop! He was chased by countless kids and dogs, endured snowstorms and even delivered coal to some naughty friends. He loved Christmas! His chief sleigh driver, Patti, and elf, Sandy, and later years Bobby, his son-in-law, Bart and others who would tag along would always add fun Christmas Eve night, returning home for an extra extra dry Gin Martini (up!) with hand stuffed anchovy olives before enjoying the favorite family tradition of Oyster Stew.

After the holidays, Bob and Sandy would head to Florida where they enjoyed sunset cocktails and ocean views on their balcony from their Jupiter Island condo.

He was an entertainer who delighted many when he performed his magic shows. To offset medical school expenses, "Pavlic the Mentalist" performed his magic shows in Chicago and Milwaukee. In the late 1950s, when he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, he drove blindfolded in San Antonio--surrounded by police escorts, firetrucks and ambulances-and used his "ESP" to predict future newspaper headlines-- months in advance.

Always up for a game and reminded not to forget your dollar or change, Bob loved to play dice (Captain Ship and Crew, Left-Right-Center), and cards, "99," Sheepshead and Gin. Avid crossword puzzle solver every morning, Bob also loved listening to his police scanner and chasing firetrucks to the scene. He was the founder of the Brookfield Fire Buffs setting up tables of coffee and hot chocolate for them during cold winter nights.

World travel with friends, family and the Marquette University Haggerty Museum of Art, Bob enjoyed collecting art and was a generous community volunteer for MU, MCW and various nonprofits often acting as their auctioneer for the night and some of which were beneficiaries of the annual Pavlic Open Golf Outing held each summer.

Best was his joy of celebration-Pavlic parties were extraordinary and included good food, music, singing and dancing. Bob loved to play his Boomba especially when accompanied by his friend, Tom McCartan on the accordion.

Loving father to Kathy Thomas, Bob Pavlic (Annie McFadzen), Terry (Shaun) Pavlic, Pam Smerz and Patti (Bart) Bohne. Special friend to Mary Messerlie. Loving Grandpa and Great Grandpa to Ashley (Eddie) Kreimier (Eddie, Charlie, Elsie, Benjamin), Madelyn (Dick) Schiller (Charlotte and Teddy) and Hannah (Greg) Osborne (Welles and Walker). Katelyn (Don) Peterson and Jackie (Thomas) Macaulay, Danny (Fiancé Allie), Sarah and Bella Smerz; and Mary Grace and Lily Bohne

Further survived by loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many, many friends.

A special Thank You to all who dropped off or shared meals with our dad over the past few years and to our wonderful and amazing caregivers, Mary Ann, Adam, Barbara, Kate, Marcin, Tania, Julie and all the others that dad was blessed to have in his life.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 23rd from 10:30am – 12:30pm at St. Dominic Catholic Parish (18255 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield) followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30pm and to Holy Cross Cemetery for final resting place.

Mass will be live streamed for those who are not able to join us at: stdominic.net/live (see link below).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to honor these wishes and make a memorial to The North Lake Sailing School, Marquette University Chapel of the Holy Family, The Pavlic Center, The MACC Fund or charity of your choice.