Barbara Pavek

Barbara Pavek, age 77 of Lakeville, MN and formerly of Faribault, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Walker Methodist Highview Hills Assisted Living in Lakeville after battling brain cancer since 2019.

Barbara Ann, the daughter of Leo and Stella (Plonsky) Judd was born on April 20, 1946 in St. Peter, MN.  Barb’s family lived in southern Rice County and she attended country school until she attended Bethlehem Academy where she graduated with the class of 1964.  On May 13, 1967 she was united in marriage to John Pavek at Christ The King Catholic Church in Medford, MN.  Barb began her working career at KDHL Radio and for many years was known as “Linda from the Leader” and was also a copy writer.  In the mid 1970’s Barb started a new career with Rice County Abstract and Title Company and in the mid 1980’s she became a partner in the business.  Later she would become the sole owner until her retirement in 1996.  In retirement she was still active in the Abstract and Title business with different companies.  Barb and John lived in different cities over the years including, Faribault, Northfield, where they raised their children, Red Wing and retired in Walker, MN.  They spent many years in retirement also in Naples, FL and later Venice, FL during the winters.  Barb loved to golf with her family, especially her grandchildren and friends.  She was an active member and board member of the women’s golf league at Tianna Country Club in Walker, MN where she served as President for a term.  Barb also enjoyed, walking, reading, gardening, boating, playing euchre and bridge, spending time on the lake with family and traveling with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, John Pavek of Lakeville, MN; by her children, Mike (Kerry) Pavek of Prior Lake, MN and Laura Malek of Alpharetta, GA; by three grandchildren, James Pavek, Sophia Pavek and William Malek; by her mother, Stella Judd of Faribault, MN; by her siblings, Martin (Kim) Judd of Brainerd, MN, Mary (Mike) Allen of Viroqua, WI, Margaret (Dave) Paukert of Faribault, MN and Betty (Geary) Judd-Miller of LaCrosse, WI and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leo Judd.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault, with Fr. Cory Rohlfing officiating.  Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to services.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Mayo Clinic, Walker Methodist Highview Hills Assisted Living and Minnesota Hospice for the loving care that was provided to Barb. 

In addition to flowers, the family would appreciate any financial gifts be given to the Glioblastoma Foundation in memory of Barb.