Greg Pavek, age 63 of Waubun, MN, died on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Pelican Landing Memory Care Assisted Living in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Gregory Alan Pavek was born July 31, 1959, the son of J. Lloyd and Marilyn (Bement) Pavek in Detroit Lakes, MN.  He was raised in the Waubun area and graduated from Waubun High School with the Class of 1977.  Immediately after graduation, Greg entered the United States Air Force, serving most of his time in Idaho.  Following his honorable discharge in May of 1981, Greg returned to the Waubun area and began taking classes at the Northwest Technical College in Wadena. He met the love of his life, Heidi Bruggeman and they were united in marriage at St. Michael's Catholic Church on June 1, 1985.  The couple made their home in Fargo, West Fargo, ND, and a short time in Coon Rapids, MN, before settling back in the Waubun area to raise their family of four sons and a daughter.  Greg worked as a computer technician for a few years before starting at the Shooting Star Casino when it opened.  Over the next 25 years, he worked in different areas at the casino working his way up to the Director of Non-Gaming.  Greg then worked as a gaming auditor for the tribe for a few years before his declining health forced him to an early retirement.  In April of 2022, Greg moved to Pelican Landing to make his home.

Greg was a true outdoorsman.  He loved everything from hunting to fishing, spearing, trail riding to simply walking in the woods taking in nature's beauty all around him.  He enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends at Tulaby Lake.  Greg was always athletic and very competitive and throughout his life remained an avid sports enthusiast.  He never missed any of the kid's activities when they were growing up.  From high school, to college, to professional athletics, he enjoyed them all and was always looking for the latest stats on each of them.  Greg had a great sense of humor and liked to laugh and have a good time.  He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

In more recent years, he worked jigsaw puzzles and word searches to pass the time and never missed a MN Vikings game!  Greg was diagnosed with FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia) and PPA (Primary Progressive Aphasia), a disease with little known information.  His care and compassion for others continued even with this diagnosis as he willingly participated in studies and testing conducted by a research team at Mayo to further educate doctors.  Even in death, Greg continues to give back as he was able to donate his brain for advanced studies to hopefully aide in answers to help others who may be diagnosed with FTD.  Although gone to soon from this life, Greg will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Greg is survived by his wife, Heidi, of Waubun; children: Dan (Melissa) of Devils Lake, ND, Justin (Brittany) of Horace, ND, Kelsey (Zach Howe) Pavek of West Fargo, ND, Jacob (McKenzie) of Hawley and Tom (Cassie) of Detroit Lakes; seven grandchildren: Hunter, Jax, Cooper, Liam, Finn, Birk, Hoyt and baby Pavek coming in Summer 2023; siblings: Steve (Linda) of Audubon, MN, Rick (Deb) of Waubun, Jim of Oakdale, MN, Mike of White Earth, MN, Dan (Tina) of Edina, MN, Chris (Gena) of Eagan, Sue (Ted) Peterson of Alexandria, MN, Terri (Todd) Irey of Stillwater, MN, Pam (Charlie) Jasken of Detroit Lakes, Judy (Tom) Goldsmith of Warroad, MN, and Lisa Pavek of Fargo, ND; sisters-in-law, Brenda (Jim) McCauley of East Grand Forks, MN, and Sandra (Greg) Rodlund of Durbin, ND; several nieces, nephews, cousins and his special canine companion, Chief.  Greg was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Rhett; sister-in-law, Jamie Pavek and brother-in-law, Steve Bruggeman.

Blessed be the memory of Gregory Alan Pavek.

Visitation will be held from 3:00- 5:00 pm on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN, with a Prayer Service beginning at 4:30 pm, and continue one hour prior to the funeral.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2023 at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Lunch and fellowship will be held at the church following military honors.