Dr. Donald J. Pavelka, Sr.

PAVELKA, Dr. Donald J., Sr. Jan 12, 1927 – Jun 6, 2013 Dr. Donald J. Pavelka died in Omaha, NE on June 6, 2013. Donald was born on a farm in Clay County, NE on January 12, 1927 to Anton and Emily Pavelka, the third of four children. Growing up Donald worked on the family farm. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1944 and then taught at a country school. In 1945 he entered the U.S. Army, serving 18 months in the military police. Following his army service, he enrolled at Kearney State Teachers College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1950. Donald then entered the University of Nebraska and graduated with a Master of Science in 1952. Following a year of teaching and working for a pharmaceutical company Donald was accepted into medical school at Creighton University. He was awarded a Doctor of Medicine from Creighton in 1957. Following his internship and residency he began a private practice in Internal Medicine in Omaha. His medical career spanned 40 years and ended with his retirement on his 70th birthday in 1997. Dr. Pavelka served the medical community as a member of the Nebraska Medical Association and as its president in 1988. He served on the Board of Directors for Physicians Mutual Insurance for 33 years. Donald married Barbara Baragar on May 23, 1953 in Lincoln, NE. The two celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary just two weeks before Donald’s death. The union produced six children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Emily (Gruntorad) Pavelka; brother, Albert Pavelka; sister, Agnes (Pavelka) Hesman; brother, Edwin Pavelka. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; daughter, Ann (Hal) Luhr, Overland Park, KS; son, Gregory Pavelka, Yankton, SD; son, Donald (Sheryl) Pavelka, Council Bluffs, IA; daughter, Catherine (Lloyd) Glesmann, Papillion; son, James (Barbara) Pavelka, Dugway, UT; daughter, Patricia (Tony) Siraco, Orlando, FL; grandchildren: Megan (Luhr) Fuller (Shane), Kristin Luhr, Matthew Luhr (Dana), Kimberly Luhr, Justin McSorley (Sarah), Donald McSorley , Bryan McSorley, Nicholas Glesmann, Kathryn (Glesmann) Courtright (Riley), Sara Pavelka, Melissa Pavelka, Domenic Siraco, Anthony Siraco; great-grandchildren, Ericka and Jack McSorley. Donald will be remembered as a dutiful son, loving husband, father, grandfather and a caring physician. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Creighton University Medical School or Father Eugene Kerwin Endowment at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Wake Service, Tuesday, June 11th at 7:30 p.m., St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Funeral, Wednesday, June 12th at 10:00 a.m., St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Interment, Resurrection. Visitation begins Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., West Center Chapel and after 6:30 p.m. at church.

HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900

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