Joseph Pavelcik

Joseph Pavelcik, 77, passed away at home while asleep on December 19, 2009. He was born on August 17, 1932, in Racine to Joseph Pavelcik, Sr. and Mary (Konicek) Pavelcik.

Joe graduated from St. John Nepomuk Elementary School and St. Catherine's High School. In 1957 he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Marquette University. On May 25, 1957, he married Lorraine Denig. Joe did not immediately look for employment after graduation since he and Lorraine had long planned a honeymoon in Europe. Flying out of Chicago to Shannon Airport, Ireland, they spent ten weeks touring seven countries, usually sleeping at youth hostels, but also visiting relatives in Germany.

Joe worked for over thirty years at J.I. Case Co. as a technical writer. He wrote the text for service manuals and operator manuals for agricultural and construction machinery and also coordinated the photographic and mechanical aspects involved in completing the manuals. He retired in May, 1993.

Previous to the onset of arthritis, Joe loved to fish at the family's cottage at Lake Winnebago. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf and just being outdoors. Except for the last few years, he always had a novel at hand (often Stephen King.)

Joe was diligent in finishing anything he started. He was careful to attend to details so as to make whatever he was doing turn out just right. He was faithful to friends and family and generous in outlook.

Joe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lorraine; nephews, James (Sherry) McClure, Joseph (Linda) McClure, David Neu, Gary Neu, Charles (Gretchen) Neu, and James (Kay) Denig; nieces, Debra Neu, Dawn (Jeff) Martinez, Paula Barrett, and Susan Krupp; sister-in-law, Roseanne (John)Worrell. Joe is further survived by great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and special friends Otto Pavelcik, Steve Vallone, Walter Zurowski and Emil Sesso.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (Ray) McClure and Lydia (Mark) Neu; and nephew, Patrick McClure who was killed in Vietnam.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave., Racine, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, with Fr. Joseph Stobba officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Any memorials in Joe's name may be given to the Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy, Olympia Fields, IL 60461-9927 or the St. Rita Church Music ministry.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888