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.
Dear Monica, Ed. Theresa and Amy
From our heavy hearts to yours. Rich & I are so sorry for your sudden loss, please know we loved him also and will miss him so badly also. We had So Many great times together. I loved you guys the moment we met. So Welcoming…we hit it off..as long as Rich and Dan didn’t talk politics! (heh heh( Monica, Ed and Amy please don’t be strangers as we’ve grown to love you kids also Any we all know Aiden is first and foremost in our hearts and minds knowing how much he loved his Papa. Let’s let him know his papa is still with himin his heart but also with the angels in heaven looking down on him.
Our prayers are with you.
Perhaps we can all celebrate Theresa’s birthday here. Monica, you and I can host.
Till then…in sympathy and in friendship
Carol
ra
I will always remember Dan and cards. He was competitive and a good player. I truly felt welcomed by both of you the weekend we all spent together.. it was a blast. Never forget when Dan and me stopped by the bait store to get minnows and go fishing on Lake Holcombe then we had to stop at the place on the way back to the cabin and I told the store clerk I wanted a refund on our minnows she asked why I said they didn’t work we didn’t catch anything. Everyone thought that was a good one. I know you are going through a tough time and each day will be a challenge thank goodness time heals wounds. We never know everything of what goes on inside a person but we do know Dan will be missed by all of us. I always say a person lives inside our memories and that’s how I feel with Dan. May God be with you through these times of sorrow. I am always here for a listening ear or how I can help. I truly wish things were different for all of us but no one can “if” themselves from… only if, what if, didn’t know if, if this etc. I don’t think Dan would like that but we can all comfort and support each other through this sorrowful time. . Your Friend, Big Al
Deepest Sympathy to the whole family,
Even if he was a year behind me in school, he was a card,
and only knew him for school years,
take care,
and thoughts to all family
Monica, Ed, Theresa and Amy
My heart goes out to you guys – to your children, I was classmate of your folks
Your dad was always happy go lucky a great person who knew how to pick up your spirits when your were down- thank you Danny
My deepest condolences to Monica and your children. So sorry for your profound grieve in losing Dan! I met Dan as children when we attended our same church, St. Stanislaus, in Lublin, Wisconsin. I remember our friendship continued as we both attended UW-River Falls. I was so honored when Dan asked me to be a groomsman at your Wedding! My memories of Dan were when we both were young men. Reading other tributes to Daniel I learned he was a loving husband and father to his children. He grew to be a very successful provider to his family. I’m sure you and his children are so PROUD of Daniel and will miss him dearly!!!
–Terry Losiewicz
Monica and family … I was am deeply saddened by Dan’s death. As neighboring kids, of course, he was the younger annoyance! But as what happens as we grow older, age doesn’t matter and friendship and appreciation grow. Danny accomplished so much in his life … Plus he was a very good polka dancer! May he rest in peace … And may the love of God, family and friends comfort all of you. God Bless
Dear Monica, Eddie, Theresa &Amy,
Our sincere condolences to your family. We are very saddened by the news of Dan’s demise. He was a very gentle & noble soul, a great man who left a wonderful legacy behind, an uplifting colleague to Ed. Larger than life, yet meticulous to the tiniest detail with his Ukrainian eggs, he lived life to the fullest.
Now that he has gone, may all the beautiful memories be a blessing to the whole family. We’re here if you need a helping hand.
Best,
Ed & TC
Monica, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you in this trying time. 🙏
My condolences to Monica and their children. I’m so sorry for your lost! I remember Dan’s and my friendship during our teenage years into young adulthood. I was so honored when Dan asked me to be a groomsman at your Wedding! We both attended UW-River Falls and I remember the. Good times. During our Summer break from college, Dan even worked for my Dad in the cheesefactory. Reading other Posts I realized he was very successful in supporting his family. You should be very PROUD of Daniel; he was a great friend!!
Terry Losiewicz
Monica & Family,
So sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. Jeff called me and we reminisced about the time Dan spent at Marshfield Cytopathogy Lab. Wishing you strength during this difficult time. Find comfort in the memories. He was a good man. Take care and God Bless.
Bev Kurlinski
Dan and I were UW River Falls Cross Country teammates and friends. His accented voice and animated gestures flooded my mind as I read the deeply sad news of his passing from my office desk. Sending my sincere sympathies to all who loved him……..
Monica and family,
My thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you.
Lori Widmann
Dear Monica and family,
We were deeply saddened by the loss of your husband and father. He was full of life and you must hold onto all the good memories and good times. He will be sorely missed, but he had a full life. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to you.
Love,
Marcy and Frank
To the Pawelko Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dan’s passing. I have many fond memories with all of you. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort.
Kristie Stuttgen
Monica, Ed, Theresa, and Amy:
Words cannot express how shocked and deeply sorry we are to hear of your loss. During his short time working at Napa before moving to the cabin, there was nothing he loved talking about more than his family. Even after he quit, he stopped in a couple times to say hi at the store. Dan will be deeply missed. On behalf of the Napa Marshfield team, please accept our deepest condolences. We wish you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Dear Monica, Ed, Theresa, and Amy,
I knew Dan through his children. I taught the Pawelko kids at St. John’s several moons ago. While teaching, I was gifted with several of Dan’s Ukrainian egg ornaments. They are still among the most treasured decorations on my Christmas tree each year. Hugs to each of you and take comfort in the good memories that you hold in your hearts.
In sympathy & friendship,
Donna Hayes (Mrs. Hayes)
Monica & Family. So sorry for your loss. Prayers & hugs for us. God bless Dan’s family. MARY WEIGEL