Martin W. Pavelek

Martin Wayne Pavelek, “Marty”, 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Marty was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was handyman, fisherman, landlord and, most importantly, a friend to all. Marty was the kind of person who was always willing to help with a project or repair. Throughout his working life, Marty wore many hats. He was a manager at A&P Foods, a welder and line supervisor at Caterpillar Tractor, and proudly served as a Captain with the Elwood Volunteer Fire Department. A lifetime member of St. Joseph Church Joliet where he spent many hours volunteering. A member of Moose #300 and Braidwood Recreation Club where he enjoyed camping and fishing with his family. Marty and Ellen especially enjoyed their time in Fort Myers, Florida with family, and cruising together all over the world. They eventually found a little piece of heaven in Port Charlotte, Florida, where they treasured the time they spent together. Marty ultimately found some of his greatest joy working around his home and apartment buildings. He worked with his hands his entire life—whether building equipment at Caterpillar, repairing anything that needed fixing, or creating crafts in his basement workshop. There was always a project waiting, and Marty was always ready to tackle it.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Ellen (Kipilla) Pavelek; his daughters, Christine (Gregory) Offerman and Kimberly (Dwayne) Killian; and his grandchildren, Zachary Offerman (fiancée Samantha Reick), Matthew Offerman, Dwayne Martin Killian, and Ryan (Erin), Casey and Kyle Killian. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Joseph Kipilla, sister-in-law Janet (Peter) Ragusa and niece Amanda Redden, along with his faithful canine, Chewy.

Also special cousin, Patricia Lepacek, by whom he was considered a second brother.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Celia Pavelek; two daughters who passed away in infancy; his first wife, Carol (Wisniewski) Delehanty, with whom he had his children; his brother, Arthur (Pam) Pavelek; his in-laws, Joseph (Marjorie) Kipilla and Peter (Katherine) Wisniewski; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Eden Vista and Lightways Hospice for the care, kindness and compassion they provided to Marty and his family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd., Joliet.

Funeral services will he held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at St Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL. Cremation rites will follow in accordance with burial to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lightways Hospice, Guardian Angel Home, or St. Joseph Church.