James Pavlovec

James Pavlovec, age 81, of Fort Atkinson, IA, died on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in LaCrosse, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 1, 2017, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 201 Oak Street, Fort Atkinson, IA, with Rev. Kyle Digmann presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 31, 2017 and also after 10:00 a.m., on Friday at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel in Fort Atkinson, IA. There will be a rosary at 5:00 p.m., on Thursday at the funeral home. James Frank Pavlovec was born on January 9, 1936, the son of James and Mary (Riha) Pavlovec in Fort Atkinson, Iowa. He attended St. Johns Nepomucene School in Fort Atkinson. James entered the Air Force at age 17 and then the Navy Seabees serving a total of 20 years. James traveled all around the world during his military career. He spent time in Antarctica, France, as well as two tours to Vietnam. He returned home to Fort Atkinson in 1973 where he worked odd jobs and drove semi. He then moved to a apartment in Spillville until he moved to Wellington Place in Decorah in January of this year. James enjoyed going for walks, riding his bike on the trail, reading and watching television. He was also an avid NASCAR fan. James is survived by his three brothers: George (Pat) Pavlovec, Decorah, IA; Arthur (Bernice) Pavlovec, Fort Atkinson, IA and Paul (Ginny) Pavlovec, Decorah, IA. Two sisters: MaryAnn Blong, Ossian, IA and Rita Holthaus, Decorah, IA. Sisters-in-law: Ruth Pavlovec, Fort Atkinson, IA and Grace Pavlovec, Fort Atkinson, IA, along with many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents: James and Mary (Riha) Pavlovec. Three brothers: Victor, Daniel and Clarence “Bobby” Pavlovec. Brothers-in-law: Charles Blong and Joe Holthaus.