Michael Ray Pavlu, 63, passed away as a result of an auto accident on October 24, 2021. Mike was born on March 8, 1958, in Albuquerque, NM. The son of Anthony J (Tony) and MaryAnn Pavlu. He attended grade school at Sacred Heart School and graduated high school from Ness City High School in 1976.
Mike was raised on the family farm near Brownell where he found the love for livestock and farming. During the early years after high school Mike was employed by Rickel Inc. in Ness City and was a Driller for Dunne-Gardner Drilling Co.
His love for agriculture led him into a partnership of forage harvesting with his brother, Marty, and Daryl Barricklow. After Marty’s death, he formed Pavlu Harvesting where he employed several locals and South Africans over the years.
He later relocated to Norman, OK where he was Ranch Manager for Travis Ranch.
Mike is survived by daughter Tanya Pierce (Ernest) and great granddaughter Katelyn Warren. Three sons – Aiden, Austin, and Anthony of Norman, OK. His mother, MaryAnn Pavlu of Ness City. Two brothers, Ken Pavlu (Susan) of Overland Park and Ashley Pavlu (Tanya) of Blue Springs, MO. Four sisters, Tonetta Stieben (Nick) of Bazine, Diana Kuhlman (Russel) of Dighton, Gina Harris (Greg) of Smithville, MO and Vickie Hennes (Kevin) of Topeka. Numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephew, along with his two fur buddies – Sugar and Travis, whom never left his side.
Mike was preceded in death by his father Tony, brother Marty, sister Deborah and grandparents Martin and Anna Stoecklein and Anthony and Elizabeth Pavlu.
Words cannot express our grief and sadness at Mike’s passing. He will be missed in so many ways by his family and all those who knew and loved him.
Mike – your infectious giggle and orneriness will be in our hearts forever.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at the Sacred Heart Church, at 10:30 a.m. followed by inurnment at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are requested to be given to Sacred Heart School or Sacred Heart Cemetery, Ness City in lieu of flowers.