Jean Pawlak, previously of Antigo, passed away on April 28, 2024 at Autumn Lake Healthcare in Milwaukee. She was 95 years old. She was born on October 12, 1928 in Three Lakes, a daughter of Kostanty and Sophie (Golembeski) Rydzewski. She married Andrew Pawlak on October 8, 1949 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Three Lakes. He preceded her in death on February 17, 2016.
She was a graduate of Three Lakes High School, class of 1946. After high school, Jean moved to Milwaukee and began working for Allen Bradley Machining and later Lakeside Manufacturing. In 1971, Andy opened Pawlak Tool & Manufacturing Company where Jean worked as the secretary, accountant and often assisted with deliveries. Jean and Andy retired in 1992 and moved to Antigo. After Andy's passing, Jean moved to Franklin to live closer to her daughter.
Jean was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Christian Mother's, and Altar Society. She volunteered at church and the Knights of Columbus Hall assisting with funeral meals and events and delivered Meals on Wheels for 11 years. During election years Jean worked at the City Hall assisting with the polls. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards and Zonk with ladies' groups, and was a regular at taking bus trips to the casino.
Survivors include her daughter, Diane (Scott) Olson of Oak Creek; son, Ronnie (Diane) Pawlak of Cedarburg; four grandchildren, Amy (Troy) Daniels, Brad Pawlak, Kristan (Rich) Jesel, and Lisa (Brad) Manz; five great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Wesley and Madelyn Manz, Cooper and Ella Daniels; sister, Marion Girard of Winthrop Harbor, IL; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Donald Pawlak; grandson, Matthew Olson; sisters, Mildred "Honey" (Leo) Kazmierczak and Adeline (Ted) Krepczinsk; brothers, Carl (Fern) Rydzewski, Norman (Lorraine) Rydzewski, Edwin (Ruby) Rydzewski; and brother-in-law, James Girard.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 6 at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Very Rev. Joel Sember and Rev. Charles Hoffmann concelebrating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. and continue on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. all at Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank you Autumn Lake Healthcare and St. Croix Hospice for the care they provided to Jean.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Peace Lily was purchased for the family of Jean Pawlak by Love, Jim and Debbie Mayer.
Diane and family. I have bushes in my parent's memory. I hope this tree keeps you centered.
Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Jean Pawlak by Mary L Schingeck.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Jean Pawlak by Paul, Janelle, Erin & Jack Gajeski, John & Joan Cu.
Aunt Diane, Uncle Scott, Kristan and Lisa,We are so sorry. Aunt Jean will be missed dearly. We will always remember her smile and kindness.
Heaven on Earth was purchased for the family of Jean Pawlak by Anonymous.
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