Joseph A. Pavelka

Joseph A. Pavelka, age 77, of Hastings died unexpectedly Saturday, September 15, 2012 at home.Joe was born July 16, 1935 at Britt, Iowa to Joseph F. and Alice M. (Zabransky) Pavelka. He graduated from Britt Community School in Britt in 1952 and attended Mason City Junior College. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married Sheryl (Martinson) June 13, 1959 in Mason City, Iowa. They made their home in Hastings shortly thereafter. Joe was a longtime employee for the City of Hastings, was a member of the Hastings VFW, American Legion and Eagles. He was a lifetime member of Catholic Workmen. He loved to fish, was an excellent cook known for his barbequed ribs and was an excellent handyman. He was preceded by his parents and 2 brothers Jim and Paul. He is survived by his wife Sheryl, children Jeff (Kelly) of Webster, WI, Steve (Tracy) of Hastings, and Dawn (Doug) Houska of Alexandria, 10 grandchildren Andy, Danny, David Pavelka, Justin, Ben, and Zach Pavelka, Madison, Luke, Brooke, and Ella Houska; great grandchildren Jacob, Dominic and Hailey Pavelka; sisters Margaret and Leona Hrubes of Iowa, sister-in-law Evelyn Pavelka of Iowa. The Funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. James Perklwill be held at Noon Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 Fifteenth St. West inHastings, with a visitation two hours prior to the funeral at the church. Interment, with Military Honors provided by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post #1210will followin the parish cemetery. Pallbearers are Don Hayes, Bill Martinson, Don Cysiewski, Ken Gahnz, Bob Molitor, and Bruce Lamp; honorary pallbearers are Bob Herman and Rich Wrobleski.