David "Dave" F. Pavlich

David "Dave" Pavlich passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, October 23, 2023, at the age of 92. Cherished husband of Geraldine (Krajewski) Pavlich for almost 68 years. Loving father of Deborah (Thomas) Bauer and Scott Pavlich. Preceded in death by his son David Pavlich and daughter-in-Law Kathryn Korstanje Pavlich. Proud grandfather of Jacob Jansky, Jessica (Chase) McCulloch, and Joel (Michael) Bauer Robotti. Great-grandfather to Beckett and Joely McCulloch. Brother of Patricia (Dave), Perinovic. Loved brother-in-law to Virginia Krajewski and Barbara Krajewski. Loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Friend to more than can be counted.

Dave was born on July 4, 1931, to Anne & Frank Pavlich. He was a graduate of Milwaukee’s Boy Tech High School wherein he started to learn the pattern making trade which would become his life-long career. At age 19 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was immediately sent to Korea to serve in the war. He was part of the troops that were surrounded in the Chosin Reservoir Battle. Those that survived came to be called the Frozen Chosin. Dave attributed his cold weather survival abilities to the skills he learned from becoming an Eagle Scout. He later served as a Boy Scout Leader.

After the military, Dave’s career in pattern making led him to become owner of DO-CAST Industries, in West Allis, WI. Beyond his pattern making abilities, he was a true Renaissance Man with his abilities to build (or fix) just about anything including his own home at one point. He was a brilliant chess player, once taking second place in a Milwaukee city-wide chess tournament as a teenager. He played (and usually won) until the last few weeks of his life.

Humble, funny, generous, a consummate story teller, he was someone easy to know and fall in love with. His legacy of loving was demonstrated by never failing to put others first. If there was a need, he was there to help.

The family would like to give their deepest appreciation to the numerous medical professionals that cared for Dave, over the 43 years he dealt with heart issues. A most special thank you to his cardiologist of over 30 years, Dr. Paul Bernstein and his staff. They were the reason Dave had a good many more years than ever thought possible.

A private memorial gathering will be held by the immediate family.

As was so beautifully said,

“Men like Dave Pavlich were put on earth to show other men how to live.”