Donald "Don" Paul Pavelka

Donald Paul “Don” Pavelka, age 90 of Celina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born May 16, 1931 in Springfield to the late Paul and Elizabeth (nee Gnau) Pavelka.

Don was preceded in death by his brother Gerald Pavelka and sisters Anita Smith and Carol Beal.

Those left to cherish Don’s memory include his wife Kathleen (nee Krupp) Pavelka, whom he married January 29, 1955. He is also survived by his twelve children: David “Dave” Pavelka  (Christine) of Celina, Cynthia “Cindy” Callahan of Centerville, Jeanette Tekesky (Robert) of North Olmsted,  Gregory “Greg” Pavelka of Huntsville, AL, Raymond "Ray" Pavelka of Fairborn, Richard Pavelka (Cindy Jo) of Dayton, Elizabeth “Libby” LoPresti (Jim) of Washington Township, Ronald “Ron” Pavelka (Laura) of Englewood, Carolyn Mazzone (Pat) of Beavercreek, Mary Jo Fryman (David) of Englewood, Daniel "Dan" Pavelka (Terri Lynn) of Union, and Nicholas "Nick" Pavelka (Tonya) of Maria Stein; 30 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; sister Dorothy Mitterholzer of St. Petersburg, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was a US Navy veteran and was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Montezuma. He worked for over 30 years at the former Varsity Bowl in Dayton and McCook’s in Dayton.  He was affectionately known as “Duck” to his family and many friends. He was an avid supporter of the Marion Local School football team and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play various sports. His children will remember their childhood summer vacations to the Cincinnati Zoo and the Darke County Fair. His grandchildren will remember him as the best grandpa and great-grandpa in the world. When Don wasn’t fishing, you could find him on the front porch greeting neighbors as they drove through Bass Landing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM Monday, November 29
 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Montezuma with interment to follow in Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery. The family would like to thank EverHeart Hospice for their care and compassion. Memorial donations may be made to EverHeart Hospice, Mercer County Cancer Association, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Arrangements entrusted to Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy.  

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