Francis Richard Pavelka

Francis R. Pavelka, age 76, of Adrian, MI, passed away May 19,2021 at home with family by his side. He was born November 25, 1944 in Adrian, Michigan, the son of Frank and Pauline (Hadesh) Pavelka.  Francis graduated from Blissfield High School in 1963.  Following graduation, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps attaining the Rank of Sergeant during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968. On March 20,1976 he married Nancy S. Berridge and she survives.  They celebrated 45 years of marriage in 2021.  Francis retired from General Motors Hydromatic/Powertrain in 1991.  In his earlier years, he was an avid runner and a member of the Toledo Roadrunners, competing in numerous road races & marathons.  Francis could repair or fix anything but especially enjoyed working on small engine machines such as lawnmowers and weed trimmers.  He would readily share his knowledge and skills to help anyone or teach another how to complete a project or fix something.  He also enjoyed spending time in his garden and tinkering in the garage.  Francis enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cornhole, watching western movies, and napping in his recliner.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to help family and friends.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by father-in-law John F. Berridge, special aunt Josephine Ondrovick and nephew Jeremey Moorehead.  Surviving in addition to his wife, Nancy, are two sons, Matthew Pavelka of Adrian and Michael Pavelka of Eldersburg, MD, two daughters Dawn (Rick) Schaffer and Nicole (Dominic) Gonzalez both of Adrian; four grandchildren, Jimmy (Kelsey) Cates Jr, Ryan (Jesykka) Gonzalez, Adrienne Pavelka and Tasya Gonzalez; three great grandchildren, Dominic Cates, Renee Pavelka and Jayde Pavelka; three brothers, James (Diann) Pavelka, John (Joyce) Pavelka, and Thomas (Kathy) Pavelka; two sisters, Diane Flynn (Keith) and Mary Pavelka (Randy Skinner); mother in law, Marie Berridge; brother in law Doug (Debbie) Berridge, sister in law, Debby Berridge (Duke Deatrick) and many nieces and nephews and special friend Ted Dean.  Family would like to send a special Thank You to Kristi at Elara Caring Hospice and Jake at Care Linc for the rapid, caring and efficient services they provided.  A service of remembrance will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI, with Pastor Greg Burdine. (WATCH LIVE LINK) Military Honors will be performed by the Tecumseh VFW & American Legion Honor Guard Team.  Visitation will also be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of service at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian, MI.  Memorial Contributions can be made to Elara Caring or a Veterans Organization of your choice.  www.PurseFuneralHome.com
 

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