Mike Michael D. Pavelich

Michael Dewey (Mike) Pavelich, beloved father and brother, age 59, of Hastings, formerly of Mesa, AZ, went home to heaven on December 11, 2009. Mike had been under doctors' care recently, after surviving open heart surgery in July of 2009. It is unknown what caused a massive heart attack which in turn created internal bleeding that led to his death, but all had been optimistic about his recovery. Mike was born on July 7, 1950, the fourth child of Milan and Vivian Katherine Pavelich, and graduated from Mesa High School in 1968. Mike was tall and athletic and had a keen natural ability for all things mechanical, especially fixing cars. At an early age, Mike was an astute Monopoly player, holding the title of family champion for many years! He also taught himself how to play chess and while teaching his younger siblings this skill, became expert in this endeavor. Mike loved road trips and enjoyed visiting and reading about historical sites. He especially loved reading about Wyatt Earp and the shootout at the O.K. Corral. Most recently, Mike did extensive reading and research on autism in an attempt to locate any material which might help his son. He eventually went on to become an insulator and a member of Local Union #73 in Arizona, Local Union #80 in Huntington, W. Virginia and Local Union #34 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mike is preceded in death by his parents; younger sister, Rosemary. He is survived by his sons, Nicholas brothers, Nick (Joanie); George; sisters, Mary (Kenny) Perkins; Katie (Kenny) Meyer; Joann (Ron) Fuller; May (Bob) Porter; nieces and nephews, Karen; Joe; Andy; Jay; Ron; Chris; Philip; Ron, Jr.; Anthony; Kelly; Nolan; Cassidy; Milan; 5 grand- nephews; 6 grand-nieces. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. The Wise Family Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.