Joseph Pavelich
Joe Pavelich, 88, of Hot Springs, MT, died Sunday, September 5, 2010 in Hot Springs.
Joe was born August 22, 1922 in a Wyoming coal camp to a gambler and a 15-year-old waitress. His family was so new to this country that he did not learn to speak English until he started grade school. One of his earliest memories was of standing lookout for a moonshine still run by his parents. Two months after being voted an all-state football player he quit high school to join the Army Air Corps ground crew in the wake of Pearl Harbor. His service in the Pacific provided life-long memories. In fact, he seemed to remember the name of every man he served with.
After his discharge Joe attended the University of Montana, where he distinguished himself as a student of English and Journalism. He and Elizazbeth Withrow were married in 1946 and together they shared adventures which included living several years in San Francisco, and running a grocery store and a stint of prospecting for uranium in Wyoming. In his later years Joe worked in Couer d\’Alene, Idaho, and ended his career as the long-time manager of the Hayden Lake Country Club, where he formed close friendships with his staff and customers alike.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his third wife, Isabel (Meyers) and fourth wife, Rose (Cloyd); and stepson Bert Meyers. He is survived by his son Matt, sister Anne Ruge, Elizabeth (Fee), and grandchildren Nick and Riley Jane Pavelich.
At Joe\’s request, no services will be held, and cremation has taken place under the direction of the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
So sorry to hear about Joe. For 20 years, Joe was the chef at our annual 4th of July party at our Hayden Lake home. People would gather around the barbi and beg for a test slice off the huge roast. He was also in charge the the baked beans. They were the best you have ever tasted. Joe was a very wise man—-Bob and Mary Drummond
Joe was such a mentor intellectually for me. He was always challenging me to analyze and reevaluate in my formative early 20′s. I learned so much from his perspectives. I hope his writings have been saved and available to his grandchildren. I will always be grateful for his philosophical insights.
Joanne
Joe was one of my favorite people. We both worked at the Hayden Lake Country Club for many years and he was such a character! He always had a joke or a wisecrack. A couple of years ago, Florence Quarles (another HLCC employee) and I took Joe to lunch for his birthday. We had a great time – there were lots of “Do you remember whens …” , a few jokes and lots of laughs. Joe was a very special man and I will miss him very much.
Waneva
Joe and I worked together for 20 years. He was a dear friend, a guest at my home, attended Seahawk games with me, and was a wonderful and “funny” employee. He had a way of making people laugh during the very busiest of times. Joe was also a very brave man who served our country during World War 11, and was gravely wounded, only to recouver with what I imagine was a big smile and a funny joke. He will be missed by his many, many friends…
matt..so sorry to hear about your dad…still soo many “joe” stories circulate through the hayden lake cc …his chili feeds during the henry griffitts tournament…his terrific sense of humor..”.don’t order a blended drink” {you might see the an airborne blender headed your way}…what a character…i’m sure the stories will continue for many years to come
I’ll always remember my great association with Joe at the Ponderosa, the Country Club, my mother’s 75th birthday and numerous St. Patrick’s Days.
An orphan in Africa is being fed, clothed and educated in your memory.
Joe was a wonderful man; full of wisdom and insight. He had a great sense of humor and no one could tell a story better than he did. (“I never had the money before”) Back in about 1980 or so he made a model of a B-24 for my dad after hearing of his service in WWII. My father still has it to this day. So sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in peace Joe.
I worked for Joe many years ago at the Hayden Country Club where he was bartending. He took such good care of me and was always so kind. We had great visits and enjoyed raiding the pantry for a tasty dessert after the club closed for the evening. Joe was a very special person.
Louise Rossi