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George Pavel

George Emil Pavel, age 87, of River Falls, Wisconsin, formerly of Elmwood, died April 3, 2020, at Comforts of Home in River Falls.

George was born on March 31, 1933, in Loyalton, South Dakota; the son of Frank and Julia (Kolecka) Pavel. As a young child, his family moved to Brook Park, MN where he attended elementary school before graduating from Mora High School.

After graduating from high school, George enlisted in the armed forces where he proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa and Japan as a Radar Maintenance Technician. His military decorations included the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.

Upon his discharge from the Air Force, George resided in California where he rekindled his relationship with a former Minnesota neighbor, Donna Marie Weast, whom he later married.  While married to Donna, they were blessed with three children: Kim, Jeff, and Sue.

George worked as a Toll Testman for Pacific Bell telephone company while living in California. Having been raised on a farm, George appreciated the farming lifestyle and it remained in his blood during his entire life. George eventually moved his family from California to the family farm in Elmwood, Wisconsin in 1971 while transferring to Wisconsin Bell in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and later to Hudson, Wisconsin.

Being raised on a farm, George learned the craft of being a mechanic. When he wasn’t tending to the fields, George could be found tinkering with his tractors and farm equipment or overhauling the automobiles that he enjoyed buying. He took great pleasure from deer hunting, especially with his son Jeff. He also enjoyed reading history and travel publications as well as getting caught up with current events. One of his favorite pastimes was going to local auctions to find treasures that he simply couldn’t live without. He was raised having great respect for his church which was reflected throughout his entire life.

George is survived by his daughters Kim Pilarski of Hudson, and Sue (Kevin) Swanson of River Falls. George will also be remembered by his grandchildren E.J. (Liz), Matt, and Nick Pilarski; Chelsey and Treston Koehler; and Tim (Katie) and Sam Pavel. He is preceded in death by his son Jeff and his sister Hattie Shea.

A memorial service celebrated the last chapter of his Christian journey and a public celebration of life will be be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 29 at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Spring Valley.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the cemetery. Burial with military honors will be in the cemetery.

Memorials and/or flowers may be sent to; O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th Street, Hudson, WI 54016

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