Steve Pavlik

1934 - 2025

Steve Pavlik

July 24, 1934 - October 31, 2025

MORTON - Steve Leroy Pavlik formerly of Bloomington, resided in Morton, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 31, 2025. He was born on July 24, 1934 in Gillespie, IL, the son of Steve & Mildred Pavlik, both deceased.

Steve graduated from Springfield Lanphier High School. There he met his high school sweetheart, Elaine (Murphy) Pavlik and were married on June 25, 1954. Elaine preceded him in death on February 18, 2003. He later married Laverda (Deterts) Pavlik from Delavan, IL. on December 14, 2011. Laverda also preceded him in death on May 19, 2019.

Steve is survived by two sons, David (LouAnn) Pavlik of Morton, IL and Mike (Jacki) Pavlik of Atlanta, IL, three grandchildren, Trent, Kyle, and Heather, great-grandchildren, Brady, Kaleb, and Hannah, step-grandchildren, Jennifer and Kelly, step great-grandchildren, Alec, Ryleigh, Addyson, and Ashton, and step great-great grandchildren, Oliver, Elliott, Azaylia, and Ilias.

Steve starred in both basketball and baseball while attending Lanphier High School. He served with the U.S. Navy in the Korean War as a 3rd class radioman on the USS Gregory where he received numerous medals. He then attended Illinois State University and University of Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education and Counseling. His teaching and coaching career began in 1959 at Gibson City High School, finishing his career at Bloomington High School after 36 years. He also officiated basketball and football for 24 years and was inducted into the Bloomington- Normal officials Hall of Fame.

He enjoyed watching his sons play basketball and baseball at Bloomington High School, Illinois Wesleyan, and Carthage College. He was an avid fisherman and loved going to Canada with his friends, sons, and grandkids. After retirement, he and his wife, Elaine, vacationed to Panama City Beach, Florida 4 months out of the year.

He later became very active in American Legions both in Florida and Morton. He was a wonderful husband, parent, grandfather, and friend to many in Springfield, Bloomington, and Morton. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Memorials may be sent to Taps Shelter in Pekin or Cancer Center Peoria.

Online condolences and memories of Steve may be left for his family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.