Donald Pawlak, of Elcho, died on his birthday Tuesday, October 20, 2015. He was 65 years old. He was born in Milwaukee, a son of Andrew and Jean (Rydzewski) Pawlak, they survive and live in Antigo.
He was a graduate of Homestead High School in Mequon with the class of 1968.
Don was a Police Officer with the Antigo Police Department from 1973 - 2004. He was a longtime member and 20 year chief of the Langlade County Rural Fire Control and served on the Langlade County Fire Investigation team as well as an arson investigator for the state of Wisconsin. For several years he served as a Langlade County deputy Coroner.
He was a volunteer with Crime Stoppers, and taught ATV and gun safety programs in Langlade County.
Don enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Survivors including his parents are a sister, Diane (Scott) Olson, Kenosha; a brother Ronald (Diane) Pawlak, Cedarburg; three neices and a nephew: Kristan Olson, Lisa (Brad) Manz, Amy (Troy) Daniels and Brad Pawlak; great niece and nephews Cooper, Ella, Sawyer, and Wesley.
He was preceded in death by a nephew Matthew Olson.
The funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will be 2 - 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Funeral Home and on Monday in Hoffmann Hall at St. John Catholic Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. A parish wake service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Services
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Service
Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
Don was a wonderful, kind-hearted person and will be deeply missed by all. Your entire family has my deepest sympathy.
I remember Don for all the dedicated service he gave to the Antigo and surrounding area Community.
I extend sympathy and prayers to his family and friends.
Ron remember the coke machine at the gas station in the early morning. That was great!!!!!
I have a lot of memories with Turkey, We met like 40 years ago at Country Kitchen. We had so many laughs. God Bless you and someday we may laugh again.
Sorry for your loss. I knew Don most of my life.
His parents and my parents were good friends, and the families would get together often. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Happy Birthday in Heaven Don.
So sorry for your loss. He was truly "one of the good guys" He will be missed.
Dennis & Mary Leist
Don will be truly missed. I knew Don from around the round coffee table at 2 Angels.
Please accept my prayers and sympathy
Don was a great guy to fish, hunt, play sheepshead, and just shoot the breeze with. We had just finished a fishing trip a couple hours before his passing. In fact he caught the most fish. We'll see him in heaven. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Bob and Nancy Hilgendorf
So saddened by the death of Don. His smile will be greatly missed. He was such a kind and gentle man. It was great working with him. My prayers are with your family.
Don and friends putting up a Langlade Co. Crime Stoppers sign in August 2013
Don and his fellow Hunter Safety Instructors August of 2010
Don pheasant hunting in Iowa in 2005
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