Paul S. Havrilka, Sr.

Paul S. Havrilka, Sr., 88, of Springfield, died at 7:55 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at his home. Paul was born March 27, 1926 in Pana, the son of Stephen and Emma G. Verhagen Havrilka. He married Anita M. Lucas on September 2, 1950 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield; she preceded him in death on January 19, 2014. Paul graduated from Pana Township High School in 1944. He proudly served his country in Europe as a member of the 83rd Thunderbolt Infantry Division of the United States Army during WW II, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service for over 40 years. Paul, a devout Catholic and very passionate about his faith, was a member of St. Joseph Church in Springfield. He was also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Knights of Columbus Council #364, and the VFW Post #4431 in Pana. Paul enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed. He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul Havrilka, Jr.; son-in-law, Mark Atwood; and two great-grandchildren, Kayden Swat and Kaylee Havrilka. He is survived by his eight children, Rita Havrilka, James Havrilka, Karen (husband, Harold) Beckner, Mary (husband, John) Atwood, and Carol (husband, Albert) Boggs, all of Springfield, Kevin (wife, Cheryl) Havrilka of Chatham, Mark (wife, Becky) Havrilka of Long Grove, and Lisa Atwood of Riverton; 31 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and one brother, Donald (wife, Joyce) Havrilka of Pana. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at St. Joseph Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at St. Joseph Church with Rev. Steven Janoski, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with military honors provided by Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and Dept. of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Joseph Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62702 or VFW Post 4431, 107 N. Poplar St., Pana, IL 62557.