Ronald Joseph Pavel, 65, of Lesterville

Ron died Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD. Memorial services will be 10:30 AM, Monday, January 8, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Lesterville, SD. Burial will be in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, rural Lesterville. Visitation will be at the church 5-7 PM, Sunday, January 7, 2024 followed by a Rosary/Scripture service at 7 PM.

Ronald J. Pavel, 65, of Lesterville, SD, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024.

Ron was born on May 11th, 1958, in Tyndall, SD. Growing up on the family farm outside Lesterville, Ron's roots grew strong. He met and then married his wife of 43 years, Patty on August 23rd, 1980. Together, they established their home near Lesterville, where they raised five children. They later moved back to his family farm, where he continued to farm with his son until his health deteriorated, and he moved to Tyndall. Ron left behind a legacy of hard work, family bonds, and a deep connection to the land he cherished.

Ron found immense joy in farm life, treasuring the experience of raising cattle, pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks, and sheep. He also enjoyed driving truck. The serenity of driving a semi became a cherished escape, connecting him to the land he loved and the simplicity of rural life.

Ron was known for his stoic demeanor, humility, and lovable nature. Ron was a dedicated family man, nurturing five children with unwavering love. In recent years, he devoted much of his time to his eleven grandchildren, blessing them with a wonderful Grandpa.

In his leisure time, Ron found joy in the simple things: playing cards with friends, watching cattle sales, and rescuing stray cats. His most cherished moments were those he spent fishing with his grandchildren by a local pond. The bonds he built in those tranquil moments sitting by the water reflected Ron's deep love for his family.

Generous to the core, Ron manifested selflessness, always ready to offer a helping hand or a listening ear. His generosity knew no bounds. He was always willing to provide support, wisdom, or simple kindness to anyone who crossed his path. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, a testament to a life well-lived and a spirit that will be dearly missed.

Ron is survived by his wife, Patty Pavel; son, Michael (Kayla) Pavel of Lesterville; daughter, Dawn (Jeremy) Coudron of White Bear Lake, MN; daughter, Amanda (Brent) Bult of Tyndall, SD; daughter Angela (Ryan) Nutter of Dellwood, MN; son Nick Pavel of Sioux Falls, SD; sister Charlene (Phillip) Bennett of Lesterville; and 11 grandchildren: Lane, Elsie, Lillian, Clara, Piper, Lincoln, Jaden, Ellie, Emerson, Teagan and Daelyn.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Lorraine Pavel; his grandparents: Adolph and Elsie Pavel, Joseph and Clara Walloch; and his father-in-law, Vit Krcil.

Gone Fishing

If someone should ask for me,

tell 'em heaven is where I'll be.

I've finished all my life's chores,

and now I fish on heaven's shores.

The view is grand and the fishing's great,

but I yearn for you as I wait.

I'll save a spot on the river's bend,

for all those I call family and friend.

But for now, sail out to sea

and make a cast in memory,

to all the good times that you had,

with me- your friend, your grandpa…your dad.

And if the fish no longer bite

or seem no longer worth the fight,

because it's me that you are missin',

don't worry - be glad - I've only gone fishin'.