John Pawelek, 81, of Huntley, passed away peacefully in his home on March 5, 2023, surrounded by family. John was a loving husband and dedicated father. He enjoyed traveling and creating cherished memories through road trips and camping. John was a respected Skokie police detective for thirty-one years and went on to serve another thirteen years with the Cook County State's Attorney in Rolling Meadows. After moving to Del Webb in 2006, John and Diane became very active in their neighborhood, and they loved visiting with friends and neighbors. In his free time, John was an avid sports fan and a proud supporter of all his favorite Chicago teams. He also had a love for automobiles, golf, and playing cards. He adored all his pets and was known for his kind heart and willingness to lend a helping hand.
John is survived by his daughters, Paige (Tom) Mistak and Wendy Pawelek.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Diane Pawelek, and his brother Robert (Phyllis Trout) Pawelek.
Visitation will be on March 21, 2023, from 9 a.m. to time of Mass 10 a.m. all at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers memorials, please make a donation to your favorite animal shelter or Animal House Shelter https://checkout.shelterluv.com/donate/AHSI
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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So sorry to hear of John's passing, he was such a nice neighbor and friend. He is with his beloved Diane again. May he rest in peace.
I’m very grateful that I had the opportunity to know and work as a caretaker of john’s and his loving and kind daughters paige and Wendy, words can’t explain how saddened I am on remembering those memories we shared together all this years I’ve been with John, and I will forever miss him and his kindness, loving heart and generosity. He will always have a special place in my heart! May he rest in peace.
My prayers to John's family John was a great coworker and a good friend for so many years. He will be missed and always have thoughts and good times
My sincerest condolences to the Pawelek family. I have many memories of my dad and John laughing together upstairs in the bureau May he rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. John and Diane were great friends of my mother's (Jeanette) and Don Schubbe's for many years. He was a good guy to work with and always had a story to tell at the SPDRS luncheons.
We send our Condolences to the Pawelek. John was a great friend to my father Robert Heelan. They spent many years working together and golfing together. I am so sorry for your Loss. John was one of the most kind people I have ever met.
To Paige and Wendy, you and your mom and dad have been family to us for over 40 years. I have so many wonderful memories of them just by meeting them by chance, camped at Pokagon state park in Indiana back in the late 1970s and striking up a friendship that bloomed into visits and trips and celebrating holidays, births and the losses as well. I am so struck by the sincerity and love both your parents shared with everyone they met and grieve with you. Love to you girls and Let’s keep on our tradition.
Paige & Wendy, I remember well the love and kindness of both your parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you both at this difficult time. May John’s memory be a blessing. With all my condolences, Ann ( Stratford School).
We just learned of John’s passing. With heartfelt condolences we are sending caring thoughts and prayers your way.
Wendy and Page I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing. John, Diane, my husband Jim and I use to go out for dinner after the 5:00 Mass on Saturday. John was always able to keep the conversation going. He was kind and fun to be with. After Jim passed John would stop by just to see how I was getting along. He was a good guy. Rest in Peace John
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have been trying to call him because we always stayed in touch. I loved your Mom and Dad they were so nice your Dad always thought up until the last couple of months that he was going to make a trip to visit me in Florida They wanted me to come to your wedding. We have known each other for 38 yrs. Would love to talk. 440 759 2030. Toby
I was unaware of the passing of John. I attended high school with John's beloved wife Diane and we reconnected many, many years later at Saint Mary's Church in Huntley. We did many things together and shared many wonderful memories. I am so sorry I was unable to express my condolences to the family at the time of John's death because I was unaware of it. Having tried to call and getting the message that The phones were no longer in use I ventured to find out whatever I could. I am so sorry for the loss of your father and of course your mother when she passed three years ago. I have loving memories of both of them
I was unaware of the passing of John. I attended high school with John's beloved wife Diane and we reconnected many, many years later at Saint Mary's Church in Huntley. We did many things together and shared many wonderful memories. I am so sorry I was unable to express my condolences to the family at the time of John's death because I was unaware of it. Having tried to call and getting the message that The phones were no longer in use I ventured to find out whatever I could. I am so sorry for the loss of your father and of course your mother when she passed three years ago. I have loving memories of both of them