Jake E. Pawelek

Jake was born January 9, 1984, in Beeville, Texas, to his beloved father Edwin J. Pawelek & his mother Rachel Pawelek.

Jake grew up on the northeast side of San Antonio, graduating from Robert E. Lee High School where he was a cadet in the Army JROTC. Post high school, he enlisted as a combat medic in the U.S. Army. Stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, at Fort Wainwright, he was deployed with the 172nd Infantry brigade to Mosul and Bagdad for 15 months in 2005-2006. When he returned home, he continued to serve his country by being a flight medic with the Texas Air National Guard, followed by an EMT instructor for new soldiers at Fort Sam Houston. Most recently, he acquired his Texas Peace Officers certificate and served as a volunteer deputy constable at Precinct Four.

Jake also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Health Science from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Jake and Kristin initially met in Fort Polk, Louisiana, during JRTC on May 5, 2005. it was love at first sight for both. After years of late night talking, romantic rendezvous, and friendship, they finally eloped on May 18, 2015. Jake was blessed to be a stepfather to Charlotte Lynam, and the blessings would continue with the birth of their son, Luke Pawelek, on March 28, 2016, and their daughter Gabrielle Pawelek on June 28, 2017. Being a great father was natural to Jake, he doted on his children and they, in turn, thrived because of his dedication and unconditional love.

Jake will be remembered by everyone for his love for his wife, his children, and his family. He loved nature and was an outdoor enthusiast, loved chess and enjoyed many other hobbies and interests. His witty sense of humor, kindness, and never-ending generosity will never be forgotten. His faithful K-9 companions, Wally, Cleo, and Curly, never left his side. Anything God put in front of him, Jake embraced with his whole heart.

Jake is predeceased by his beloved Grandmother, Magdalene Mzyc; his father, Edwin J. Pawelek; and brother, John (Juan) Torres. He is survived by his wife, Kristin Pawelek; son, Luke Pawelek; daughters Charlotte Lynam and Gabrielle Pawelek; his mother, Rachel Pawelek; his sisters, Linda and Lisa Torres; nephew, Jason Torres; nieces Jacquelyn Rodriguez and Elizabeth Torres; great niece Olivia Torres; and great nephew Arthur Rodriguez.

A visitation for Jake will be held Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. A funeral service will occur Friday, May 12, 2023 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. A committal service will occur Friday, May 12, 2023 from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Pawelek family.