Gregory Anthony Pavelka

Our beloved son, brother, friend, uncle and cousin, Gregory Anthony Pavelka entered the Kingdom of Heaven June 2, 2025.

Greg was born June 6, 1955 in Omaha, Nebraska - the second child out of six. As a kid, he developed a love for the Detroit Tigers. His favorite player was Norm Cash because he was a lefty like Greg. He started collecting coins in his youth and kept up with it through his adulthood. He was student of the American Civil War and wrote an article about Johnny Clem (the Drummer Boy of Shiloh) published in the Civil War Times. His love history synched with his other passion, genealogy. He produced several histories of our paternal and maternal ancestors. Tracing the histories of the Pavelkas, Guntrods, Baragars and Mitchells.

He graduated from Harry A. Burke in 1973. He then attended Montana State and Kansas State graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Science - with honors. His initial work experience was as a seasonal employee with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in the Kansas City District as a park ranger. This was followed by three years as a seasonal ranger for the National Park Services in then Canyonlands of Southern Utah. Greg, was then hired to a permanent position as a Ranger with the Omaha District USACE project at Garrison Dam in North Dakota. His last position was Endangered Species Biologist at Gavins Point Dam in South Dakota from 1995 until his retirement in 2012.

Greg is survived by his mother, Barbara; his sisters and brothers: Ann (Hal), Don (Sherry), Cathy (Lloyd), Jim, and Patti (Tony). His very close friends Casey, Coral, Gene, Linda and Bruce and Rosemary.

Greg was preceded in death by his father, Donald J. Pavelka, MD.

Greg lived a life dedicated to his family, friends and his birds. His love of nature started in his youth and continued throughout his life. His family and close friends will celebrate his life at Riverside Park in Yankton. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.