George Robert Paveletzke

Passed away on 7/7/26

I was born on February 7, 1954, at Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, Wisconsin to my loving and very permissive parents, George & Dorothy Paveletzke, both who preceded me in passing.

I attended St. John’s Elementary, Butte des Morts Freshman year, and graduated from Menasha High School in 1972. I started working at age 14 (with work permit) at Warehouse Specialists, loading and unloading boxcars, then at Alex’s Edgewater on the River, then at Lehrer Bros. General Contractors, and Chef Fresh Pizza (thanks, Joe Sherry). I made some lifelong friends along the way.

After graduating from high school, I worked at Presto Products (June 1972), before serving my time at Gilbert Paper Co. (October 1973) in Menasha for 25 years. After noticing that the mill was going downhill, I quit in 1998 and worked for myself in the carpentry/remodeling field for about 14 years, building several garages, basement remodels, and a few homes in Northen Wisconsin and Michigan. I wrapped up my working career as bridgetender for the City of Menasha, on the Racine Street bridge and Tayco Street bridge for about 11 years, until retiring due to health issues. I was able to operate the new Racine Street bridge too!

Music was always a big part of my life whether playing in a couple of local garage bands as a teenager, going to concerts, or just relaxing in my recliner with my headset listening to my favorite stuff, while thinking of some of the memories that they represent.

I married Deanne Sokel in August of 1972 and started a family a few years later. We enjoyed vacationing with our kids and friends, going to Wisconsin Dells, our favorite campgrounds, Great America, and one trip to Disney World. I traveled as much as I cared to, highlighted with a work trip to Europe during Oktoberfest to Germany, Austria, and Italy for the mill.

Later in life, we ended up buying some land in Northern Wisconsin and built an A-frame cabin for enjoying, partying, vacationing, and sightseeing up north. We sold the place after about 25 years, before it became too much work to keep up. I was very proud of the spiral staircase I built there. That ain’t no kit!

Some people ask if I have any regrets. Of course I do! I think everyone does. Both ways!

I still hang with the same guys I met in grade school, junior high, and high school. Sadly, some are gone now, but certainly not forgotten! I appreciate the friendship and camaraderie I had with Myron, Witty, Bob, Steve S., Corry, Dee Dee, Black, Eddie, Tim “OB”, Billy, Al, Steve L., Mark, Pete, and Gerber, to name a few. All great guys! All helped shape my life in some way.

I had 3 older sisters, Barb (Dan) Kuepper, Mary Beth, & Jeanne (Roger) Schneider and 2 younger brothers, Bob (Liz), and Bill (Barb Wilson). Bill was one of my best friends and, all around good guy. I know he has stories to tell! I leave behind many, cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews that are special to me in their own way.

To my kids, Shelby (Joe) Frank & Shawn (Andy Sr.) Robbins, and grandkids, April, Leah, and Yeager Frank and Andy Jr. & Mallory Robbins, I love you all so much. I know I don’t say it enough, never have. I guess I just wasn’t raised that way. That’s not an excuse, just a reason. Looking back, there’s one of those regrets I mentioned. I’m so sorry.

To my wife Deanne, what can I say? You are so much more than a wife. You are my savior, my guardian angel, my caregiver, nurse, lover, therapist, my bride, my life’s helper and guide, a great mother and grandma 24/7, and so many more things. But above all, she is my best friend. It took me a while to get there, but I got there. I am without a doubt, the luckiest husband ever! I don’t know what I’ve ever done to deserve the love & thoughtfulness she gives me. I appreciate & love her immensely!

I’ve never liked funerals and I do not want one. When you think of me, think of the good times. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

I wrote a little limerick hopefully for you all to remember:

“Life goes by, in the blink of an eye,

This much I know is true-

And now that I’ve passed,

I wish I’d have asked-

Lord, may I please have two?”

G.P.

“I’ll see you in the next world, and don’t be late”

Jimi

Our entire family wishes to thank surgeon Dr. Raymond Georgen for giving us 2 additional years with our dad. He believed you are one hell of a guy! Words can’t express how much we appreciate the care and attention you provided to our dad when he needed you the most.