Mike Pavlica, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, left this life, as he said, "to go home to Jesus" on March 21, 2013. He died in Colorado Springs after a three-week illness.
Mike, also known as "Mitch," was born to Michael and Mary (Murin) Pavlica on May 23, 1927 in Sugar City, CO. He had four older brothers and a younger sister, Rosemary, who survives. The family moved to Colorado Springs where Mike attended school, including Colorado Springs High School.
After working in a variety of jobs as a young man, Mike became a plumber, belonging to Local # 58 for over 50 years. He later became a plumbing and heating inspector for the Regional Building Department, retiring in 1989. He was a long-time member of the Elks Lodge 309.
Mike married Florence "Ki" Pavlica on May 21, 1949, and they had 46 wonderful years of marriage. He lovingly cared for Ki during her illness with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) until she passed away in September 1995. In addition to Ki and his parents, Mike's four older brothers (Alex, Roy, John, and Nick) predeceased him.
Mike is survived by his sons Charles (and wife Susan) of Colorado Springs and Stephen of Phoenix, AZ, and by his daughters Mary Sue Pitsko (and husband Dan) of Peachtree City, GA, and Lois Pavlica of Redondo Beach, CA. His six grandchildren. Kathy Grube, Michelle Barkley, Lisa Williams, Christine Zentmeyer, Daniel Pitsko III, and Michael Pavlica, loved their grandpa and he loved them. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, and cousins.
Shortly after Ki's passing, Mike became the proud owner of "Rusty," a classic car which he took great joy in restoring. He was a regular at garage sales and estate sales, where he always managed to find a good bargain or two. In his last years, Mike enjoyed the company of his lady friend Barbara.
Friends and family are invited to visitation at Swan Law Funeral Directors on Tuesday, March 26, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at Swan Law on Wednesday, March 27, at 10:00 a.m. Following burial at Evergreen Cemetery, a reception will be held in the hall at Ss. Constantine and Helen/Holy Theophany Orthodox Church.
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