Daniel R. Pawelko, 66 of Jump River passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Dan was born on November 7, 1955, to Joseph and Marie (Horban) Pawelko. Dan grew up on a dairy farm in central Wisconsin learning the true meaning of hard work. He graduated from UW River Falls with a Biology degree. He was a proud member of the DTS Fraternity.
Dan had many diverse interests such as hunting, fishing, curling, horseshoes, cornhole, pool, live music, and dancing. He enjoyed creating Ukrainian eggs which probably led to his profession as a cytotechnologist requiring great attention to detail screening slides for cancer. Dan enjoyed a multitude of card games especially sheephead and pinochle. He had a passion for sports participating in track, cross country, and marathons. He encouraged participation and his passion with sports in his children. While they were here, they spoke of all the hockey rinks they were taken to and played at in the Midwest – now that’s a commitment! Two of those children ran in high school and college. Winter meant football, the Green Bay Packers, Tom Brady, and then March Madness with basketball. He was an avid historian especially of the Civil War but also world history. Being of full Ukrainian heritage he was extremely disturbed by world events happening now throughout the world and Ukraine. He played trumpet in school, in a polka band, and his finest moment playing was from the trumpeter’s tower for the 700th anniversary of Lublin, Poland with a group traveling from Lublin, WI. This aired on Polish National Television. Let him be remembered as caring, thoughtful, and giving to his family and friends.
Daniel is survived by his wife, Monica (Manglos) Pawelko; children, Ed Pawelko of Wausau, Theresa (Brandon) Nelsestuen of Winona, MN, and Amy Pawelko of Grand Rapids, MI; and one grandchild. He is further survived by his siblings, Shirley (Darrel) Shufelt, Steve (Bonnie) Pawelko, and Diane (Neil) Ketterling; and a niece and nephew.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to local animal shelters. Please join us in a Celebration of Life on May 14, 2022, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the Jump River Community Center in Jump River, Wisconsin.