Rural Glenvil resident Edward J. Pavelka, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his entire family, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, at his home after a lengthy battle with Vexas Syndrome. Rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at Butler Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hastings with Father Jeremy Hazuka officiating. Burial took place at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Memorials may be given to St. Michael’s Catholic Church. The service was live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website. To view the service, go to Edward’s obituary and click the play button shown towards the bottom of the page. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.

Edward was born Sept. 27, 1945 in Hastings to Joseph and Julia (Mazour) Pavelka. He attended grade school at Spring Ranch and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1963. Edward served in the National Guard from 1965 to 1971.

Edward married the love of his life, Diane Karmazin, April 20, 1968, in Lawrence. Together they spent their life on the farm raising crops and livestock. They were blessed with four children. Edward was a simple and humble man. He was born with the gift of being able to play music by ear. He made use of this gift all his life. He started playing with the Paul Kothe Band when he was 16. He played with them for 40 years. Later, he and his sister and brother started the Pavelka Variety Combo Band. He loved to entertain people and make them happy.

After the Vexas Syndrome invaded his body and he could no longer work outside, he started restoring John Deere pedal tractors on the kitchen table. Edward was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Workman.

Above all, he loved his family. He tried to show them the example of faith in God, good work ethic and the love of family. He was so proud of them all. He loved all the hugs and kisses he got from the grandkids and great-grandkids. He loved to tease all of them and make them laugh.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Clarence Karmazin; son-in-law, Michael Swanson; and daughterin- law, Kay Pavelka.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Diane Pavelka, of Glenvil; children and spouses: Ronald and Angie Pavelka of Glenvil, John and Julie Pavelka of Omaha, Sandra and Chad Samuelson of Hastings, and James and Gina Pavelka of Glenvil; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Norma Karmazin of Lawrence; sisters and spouses: Joanne and Glen Beyke of Lincoln, Dolores and Clarence Kimminau of Hastings, and Marilyn and Tom Karmazin of Lincoln; brother and spouse, Ken and Jan Pavelka of Glenvil; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family and many friends.