Edward J. Pavelka

Rural Glenvil resident Edward J. Pavelka, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his entire family on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at his home after a lengthy battle with the Vexas Syndrome.     

Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday, December 29, at Butler Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 30, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hastings with Father Jeremy Hazuka officiating. Burial will be at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. with family present 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 29, at the funeral home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Michael’s Catholic Church. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Edward’s obituary and click the play button shown towards the bottom of the page.

Edward was born September 27, 1945 in Hastings, NE to Joseph and Julia (Mazour) Pavelka. He attended grade school in Spring Ranch and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1963. Edward served in the National Guard from 1965 to 1971.

Edward married the love of his life, Diane Karmazin on April 20, 1968 in Lawrence, NE. Together they spent their life on the farm raising crops and livestock. They were blessed with four children. Edward was a simple and humble man. He was born with the gift of being able to play music by ear. He made use of this gift all his life. He started playing with the Paul Kothe Band when he was 16. He played with them for 40 years. Later, he and his sister and brother started the Pavelka Variety Combo Band. He loved to entertain people and make them happy.

After the Vexas Syndrome invaded his body and he could no longer work outside he started restoring John Deere pedal tractors on the kitchen table. Edward was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Workman.

Above all he loved his family. He tried to show them the example of faith in God, good work ethic and the love of family. He was so proud of them all. He loved all the hugs and kisses he got from the grandkids and great-grandkids. He loved to tease all of them and make them laugh.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Clarence Karmazin; son-in-law, Michael Swanson; and daughter-in-law, Kay Pavelka.

SURVIVORS:

Wife of 55 years:                               
    Diane Pavelka – Glenvil, NE

Children & Spouses:                         
    Ronald & Angie Pavelka – Glenvil, NE

    John & Julie Pavelka – Omaha, NE

    Sandra & Chad Samuelson – Hastings, NE

    James & Gina Pavelka – Glenvil, NE

Grandchildren:                                  
    11

Great-Grandchildren:                        
    2

Mother-in-law:                                  
    Norma Karmazin – Lawrence, NE

Sisters & Spouses:                             
    Joanne & Glen Beyke – Lincoln, NE
    Dolores & Clarence Kimminau – Hastings, NE

    Marilyn & Tom Karmazin – Lincoln, NE

Brother & Spouse:                             
    Ken & Jan Pavelka – Glenvil, NE

Numerous Nieces, Nephews, other extended family, and many friends