Evelyn D. Pavolko, 92

Posted

Evelyn Doris Pavolko, 92, of Nokomis, died peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at her residence.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis with Pastor Jeff VanDyke officiating. Burial will follow at Nokomis Cemetery. Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Pavolko was born on Nov. 17, 1932, in Audubon Township to Virgil and Goldie (Jackson) Stokes. She married Allan Pavolko at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Nokomis and he survives.

She loved her customers at the various restaurants she served at for over 53 years. You could always find her walking in Nokomis and an active member of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (T.O.P.S.) and Keep Off Pounds Sensibly (K.O.P.S.) of Litchfield. She had a lead foot behind the wheel and was independent and strong her entire life. She never let anyone walk over her and instilled that ethos in her children. As a lifelong Democrat, she said she didn’t want to be under Donald Trump’s presidency ever again. She was a one of a kind inspiration to everyone who knew her.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Pavolko is survived by her children Rodger Leigh of Witt, Darrel (Carol) Leigh of Springfield, Ralph Leigh of Nokomis, Nellena Pier (special friend, Clark Wiseman) of Nokomis, Tim (Lisa) Pavolko of Nokomis, Dale Pavolko, Jamie Shivers and LeeAnn Brown; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, JoAnn Greenwalt of Nokomis.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Doris Shaw; granddaughter, Lisa DeWerff; and a sister, Maxine Eller.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Montgomery County Cancer Society or Nokomis Christian Missions.

Condolences may be left at www.stiehldawsonfh.com.