Robert Pavlak

Robert “Bob” Pavlak, age 78, of Elburn, passed away quietly at home, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family on January 15, 2019. After a valiant battle, he now claims the promise of his Savior.
He was born July 13, 1940, in Pana, IL, to proud parents, Edward and Kathliene (Jones) Pavlak.
Bob grew up in Pana before the family moved to Batavia where he attended Batavia High School.
Bob was united in marriage to Barbara White and welcomed two children, Wayne and Darla. In 1973, they went their separate ways but fate smiled on Bob again when he met Gale Kvelland, who worked with his sister, Mary. It took Bob a year, but it was all worth it when they walked down the aisle on November 29, 1974 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Boulder Hill. The blended family that now included Gale’s son John, made their home in Boulder Hill before moving to Batavia. In 1978, the family moved to Elburn and was blessed with a son, Jason, where they continued to make memories to last a lifetime.
Bob began working as an auto mechanic at a local gas station in Geneva, but moved to the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, and made a career as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic. Bob spent fifty years as a part of the union and retired in 2005. After putting down his tools, he got behind the wheel of a school bus and drove for Kaneland School District 302.

Bob was a long time member of the Elburn Lions Club, Loyal Order of the Moose of St. Charles and spent many a happy year as a member of the Kane County Car Club.
Bob’s love of racing and cars was a close second to his love of family. If it had a motor and wheels, Bob loved it. He was always in the garage building, modifying and basically making it “perfect” in his eyes. In his younger years he raced stock cars anywhere there was a track, but many checkered flags were waved at Sycamore Speedway. Later, he was happy share his show pieces, especially his ’31 Model A Roadster, ’56 Oldsmobile 88, ’66 Oldsmobile 88 and a ’69 Chevy Camaro Pace Car. With one exception Bob made sure he could feel the wind in his face by only owning convertibles. There were a few chapters of his life that revolved around horses, going on trail rides to revel in God’s country. Camping also was a focus, packing the family up and traveling to High Tide, a camp ground near Somonauk, Hideaway Lakes in Yorkville, or Yogi Bear in the Middleton area. No matter the destination, the family settled beside a fire, shared stories and enjoyed the peace of the night. Bob became a “professional” fan of his children, following all their sports activities with abandon. Nothing compared to the love he had for his family, especially his grandchildren and no one will forget the place that Bob had in their lives.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gale; four children: Wayne Pavlak, Darla (Alan) Ballard, John Pavlak and Jason (Kristy) Pavlak; eight grandchildren: twins William and Ryan, Heather and Christopher Ballard, Johanna, Jack, Cohen and Tyson Pavlak; three brothers: Carl (Karen) Pavlak, Fred (Barbara) Pavlak and Rich (Betty) Pavlak; many nieces, nephews and a family of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Kathliene Pavlak, one sister, Mary Pavlak and a brother, Art Pavlak and one sister-in-law, Sharon Pavlak.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Monday, January 21, 2019 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Additional visitation will be from 9-9:45 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, followed by a Mass to celebrate his faith at 10 a.m. at St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Rd., Elburn, IL. Fr. Christopher DiTomo, pastor of the church, will officiate with interment to follow at River Hills Memorial Park, 1650 S. River, Batavia, IL.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bob’s name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks may be made to the “Robert Pavlak Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can read Bob’s full life story.
As Bob loved to be comfortable, the family extends an invitation for everyone to come in casual clothes as well.

Additional visitation will be from 9-9:45 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, followed by a Mass to celebrate his faith at 10 a.m. at St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Rd., Elburn, IL. Fr. Christopher DiTomo, pastor of the church, will officiate with interment to follow at River Hills Memorial Park, 1650 S. River, Batavia, IL.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Monday, January 21, 2019 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

River Hills Memorial Park, Batavia, IL