Emil E. Pavelski Jr., 90, Junction City, was called to his heavenly Father on Monday, July 17, 2023, with his wife Rita and children by his side.
Emil was born October 5, 1932 to Emil and Agnes (Zurawski) Pavelski Sr. in the town of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He grew up attending local schools and graduating from P.J. Jacobs High School, later working for Soo Line and PreWay in and near the Stevens Point area. In March 1954 Emil joined the United States Army and served in the Korean War effort as a Tank Commander and was stationed in Himmelberg Germany. After returning home in 1956 he married the love of his life Rita.
After serving our country he worked for The Wisconsin River Division Consolidated Papers where he held a position for 34 years. In 1969 he and his wife Rita purchased Hiawatha Bar in Junction City and ran a successful business for 30 years. Emil was the ultimate public servant and devoted a tremendous amount of time to his community. He became a Trustee on the Village Board in Junction City before becoming the President of the Village for 20 years and then remained on the Board as a Trustee until May of this year. He was the chair of the Junction City Community Picnic for many years. Emil was the Junction City Wastewater Utility Operator. He was also a volunteer Fire Fighter for the Village of Junction City for many years. He was an active member of the Lions Club for 50 years, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Moose Lodge and delivered Eyes for the Eye Bank for 30 years, as well as donated blood frequently for 30 years. One of Emil’s greatest honors was being able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2017, it was one of his proudest moments. Emil loved his wife Rita, church picnics, and especially polka music and dancing. Emil also enjoyed fishing, camping, remodeling, vacations, gardening, sweet corn, and family. Anyone that knew Emil knew he would give you the shirt off his back, he was the most generous man. He loved to grow plants and share them with the neighborhood or sell them at a very decent price. And about Emil’s sweet corn…. there was none like it.
Emil loved spending time with his family and looked forward to their visits. It didn’t matter who you were, friend or family whenever you ended a phone call with Emil he always said “Love you, Bye.”
He is survived by his spouse, Rita (Kizewski) Pavelski, his children, Randy (Sandy) Pavelski of Junction City, Cindy (Dana) Jarman of Stevens Point, Ken (Sherry) Pavelski of Stevens Point, and Doreen (Richard) Velasco of California, 9 Grandchildren, 21 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great Great Grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Agnes (Zurawski) Pavelski Sr., 1 brother James Pavelski, and 1 nephew Peter Pavelski.
The Family would like to thank those for their kindness and caring towards Emil during his last days, Dr. Sharma, Dr. O’Neil, SICU nurses Amy, Palliative Staff, Kim Carolfi NP, and Nurses, Laura, Joelle, Althea, and Nathan, Nursing Assistants.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 21, 2023 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 324 Main St, Junction City, WI 54443 with Father Packi presiding. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery with military honors being performed by American Legion Post 485 – Rudolph.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm with a rosary service at 7:30 pm on Thursday, July 20 at Martens/Rembs Funeral Home in Junction City and from 9:00 am until service time on Friday, July 21 at church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lions Club and VFW.
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com
