James Pavlovec

Thursday, August 31, 2017 7:51 pm

James Pavlovec, 81, of Fort Atkinson, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in La Crosse, Wis. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson, with Rev. Kyle Digmann officiating. Lector is Margaret Riha. Eucharistic ministers are Margaret Riha, Leon Kipp, Carl Schmitt and Ann Herold. Organist is Jeanette Dietzenbach. Soloist is Lynette Wheeler. St. John’s Choir will sing “Here I am, Lord,” “Amazing Grace,” “On Eagles Wings” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Offertory gift bearers are Paul and Ginny Pavlovec. Casket bearers are Steve Pavlovec, Steve Holthaus, Chuck Blong, Kenny Pavlovec, Dan Pavlovec and Dave Pavlovec. Interment is at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Fort Atkinson. Arrangements are being handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel, Fort Atkinson.

James Frank Pavlovec was born Jan. 9, 1936, the son of James and Mary (Riha) Pavlovec in Fort Atkinson. He attended St. Johns Nepomucene School in Fort Atkinson. James entered the Air Force at age 17 and then the Navy Seabees, serving a total of 20 years. James traveled all around the world during his military career. He spent time in Antarctica and France, as well as doing two tours to Vietnam. He returned home to Fort Atkinson in 1973, where he worked odd jobs and drove semi. He then moved to a apartment in Spillville until he moved to Wellington Place in Decorah in January of this year. James enjoyed going for walks, riding his bike on the trail, reading and watching television. He was also an avid NASCAR fan.

James is survived by his three brothers: George (Pat) Pavlovec, Decorah; Arthur (Bernice) Pavlovec, Fort Atkinson; and Paul (Ginny) Pavlovec, Decorah; two sisters, MaryAnn Blong, Ossian and Rita Holthaus, Decorah; sisters-in-law, Ruth Pavlovec, Fort Atkinson and Grace Pavlovec, Fort Atkinson; along with many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary (Riha) Pavlovec; three brothers: Victor, Daniel and Clarence “Bobby” Pavlovec; and brothers-in-law, Charles Blong and Joe Holthaus.