Robert J. Pavelka

Robert J. Pavelka, 70, of Britt, passed away Monday, January 17, 2022 at Decatur County Hospital in Leon, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West in Britt, with a Scriptural Wake Service beginning at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to Mass at the church on Monday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 24, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 335 First Avenue South East in Britt, with Father Andrew Marr officiating.

Robert James Pavelka was born November 5, 1951 to James and Evelyn (Young) Pavelka in Mason City, Iowa. Bob was the second child of seven, and the oldest son.

He grew up on the family farm south east of Britt, graduating from Britt High School with the Class of 1970. Bob later attended and graduated from Hamilton Business College in Mason City.

Bob was united in marriage to Connie Jo Ruppert on July 22, 1978 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt. The couple made their home in Britt, where they welcomed three children, Kelsey, Sheila, and Andrew. Bob and Connie later moved to Clear Lake and then to Lamoni, before recently returning to Britt.

He worked at Armour Foods east of Britt, from the time the plant opened until it closed. He later worked at Iowa Mold Tooling in Garner until he retired in January of 2017.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, he loved spending time on the family farm, fishing and pheasant hunting. As a family, they spent many weekends camping. He loved collecting sporting goods and reminiscing about hunting and shooting adventures.

Bob was one of the good guys; he was selfless, self-sacrificing and had a kind soul. He will be remembered for his love of family and friends and his excellent vivid storytelling.

Bob is survived by his wife, Connie of Britt; children Kelsey (Tony) Rawson of Waukee, Sheila Pavelka of West Des Moines and Andrew (Trisha) Pavelka of Des Moines; grandchildren Carter and Collin Rawson; siblings Kathy (Mike) Kerns of Burnsville, Minnesota, Jerry Pavelka of Britt, Marilyn (Joe) Larson of Springfield, Missouri, Alvin (Fran) Pavelka of Prescott, Arizona, Allen (Lisa) Pavelka of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Gene (Patsy) Pavelka of Britt; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.