Watch Ed's Mass of Christian Burial

Edward J. Pavek, age 93, of Fertile, MN, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at his home.

Edward James Pavek, the son of John and Mary (Adams) Pavek was born February 9, 1930, at home on the farm southeast of Waubun, MN. He attended country school, Waubun High School and graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN, in 1948. After graduation, Ed returned to Waubun and continued helping his father with the day-to-day operations of the farm. He met Dolores Preisler and after several years of dating the couple was united in marriage on October 20, 1962, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bejou, MN. They made their home on the Pavek Farm, near Waubun and were blessed with two daughters.

Over the years, Ed raised livestock, milked cows, harvested grains and continued to operate the farm until 1988 when he retired. Ed and Dory remained in their home until 2008, when they sold the farm and moved to Fertile to be closer to family. They became members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and truly embraced their new community. Ed joined the Fertile Lions which opened the door for an opportunity to meet and make many new friends. He loved to visit with people, friends and strangers alike. Dory passed away in July of 2019 and Ed remained in their home.

Ed was a hard worker, devoted Christian, a family man with a great sense of humor. He had a knack not only for socializing but also for drawing and writing, as family and friends often awaited his Christmas card which arrived with either a joke or some friendly advice. Ed also enjoyed animals, the outdoors and the great things it had to offer like hunting, fishing, trapping and an afternoon drive to check out the crops. While living on the farm, he and Dory always had a huge garden with a bountiful crop of fresh veggies. When he wasn't outdoors, he could be found shaking dice, playing cards, watching Lawrence Welk or taking in any sporting event on TV, especially football. Ed was a member of the 55 Alive Club, Knights of Columbus Council, serving as past Grand Knight and WAMO, serving as past President and the Fertile Lions. Above all, Ed treasured his family along with friends and neighbors of past and present. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.

Ed is survived by two daughters, Mary Beth Ellegaard of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Joan (Eric) Ellegaard of Fertile; four grandchildren: Courtney Spry, Chelsea (Carson) Johnson, Tyler Ellegaard, and Alyssa Ellegaard; and four great-grandchildren: Ava, Landen, Olivia, and Nolan; sisters-in-law, Barb Pavek and Therese Pavek; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dory; one son-in-law, Barry Ellegaard; four sisters: Patty Wander, Angie Blomseth, Beatrice Steinmetz and Bernice Leier; and five brothers: Leonard, Anthony, John, Bernard, and Lloyd.

Blessed be the memory of Edward J. Pavek.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2024, from 3:00pm – 5:00pm, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 4:00pm followed by a Prayer Service at 4:30pm, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fertile. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11:00am, with a visitation beginning 1 hour prior, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fertile. The interment will be held in the St Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Fertile.