Obit: Pawlak, Theresa M. (1931 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Pawlak, Vander Wegen, Devine, Beighley, Johnson, Parker, Brey

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 10/05/2016

Pawlak, Theresa M. (15 May 1931 – 1 October 2016)

Theresa M. Pawlak, 85, died on October 1, 2016, at her home in Thorp. She was born on May 15, 1931, in Owen, Wisconsin to James and Ida (Vander Wegen) Devine. She was their first daughter, joining her older brothers Bill, Bob and Pete. The family would eventually include 14 children, and Theresa played an important role in raising her younger siblings.

She attended grade school in Owen until she was 12 and the Devine family moved to a farm in Withee on the Black River. There she attended the one-room Poppy School with her brothers and sisters. She graduated from Owen High School in 1949. She was a cheerleader in high school, which led to her lifelong love of football. She was an avid Packer fan and was a regular attendee with her friends at Thorp High football and basketball games.

On June 16, 1951, she married Joseph Pawlak. The couple lived together in Thorp 65 years, and were members of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church. Theresa was a talented seamstress and created many wedding dresses for family and friends. Her best friends were in her bridge club and they played regularly for decades.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Pawlak; daughter, Jody (Dan) Beighley; son, Greg (Stacey) Pawlak; granddaughters: Sarah Beighley and Alice Beighley; grandson, David Pawlak; and great-grandson, Jonathan Beighley. She is also survived by brothers: Bob Devine, Burt Devine, Tom (Sandy) Devine, and Ted (Maryann) Devine, her sisters: Janice (Lyle) Johnson and Kay (Jack) Parker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: Bill, Pete, David, Pat, Mike and Dan; and her sister, Marilyn Brey.

Theresa’s kindness, generosity and fun-loving nature will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2016, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.