John Pavlik Obituary

John Jens Pavlik, age 88, better known to everyone as "Buck," was called home on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Buck was born in Bay City to the late John and Alberta (Ryers) Pavlik on May 9, 1937. He graduated from Whittemore High School in 1957.
He met the love of his life in April of 1958 at Richie's Drive-In in Bay City, and he immediately knew that she was the one. Soon after, on Nov. 8, 1958, he married Jean Donovan of Oscoda, and together they shared 66 amazing years, raising their family, building a successful business, and taking care of each other.
Buck founded Pavlik Trucking, Inc. in 1965 and was a dedicated business man in the Whittemore-Prescott area for over 45+ years. He served as a member of the Whittemore-Prescott Area Schools Board of Education for 12 years and was a life-long member of St. James Catholic Church in Whittemore, serving as an alter server in his early years and later as a committee member on the church council.
But the biggest accomplishment of his life was being "the best Grandpa ever," an amazing Dad, and most importantly, a loyal and devoted husband to his "beautiful bride!"
Buck leaves to cherish his memory, his partner in life Jean (Donovan) Pavlik; and his children, Karen (Jim) Miller of West Branch, Kay (Bruce) Goldberg of Clarkston, John (Sherri) Pavlik of Twining, Maria McAlpin of Mason, Diane (Wayne Grieve) Sharich of Howell, and Susan Gillings of Bay City. He will truly be missed by his grandchildren, Nicole Pavlik Burr, Kelly Riley, Staci Saunders, Jeremy Pavlik, Megan Goldberg, Johnny Pavlik, James Sharich, Mark Goldberg, Levi McAlpin, Andrew Sharich, Derek Gillings, Julie Goldberg, Kayla Riley Shunk, Christopher Limbright, Haley McAlpin, Sarah Riley and Sami McAlpin; and 18 great grandchildren. Buck is also survived by his siblings, Gina Stagray of Boca Raton, Fla., Rita Pavlik of Fredonia, Wis., Steve (Janet) Pavlik of Sterling, Sam (Lynn) Pavlik of Prescott, Darwin (Cheryl) Pavlik of Milwaukee, Wis., and Joe (Sharon) Pavlik of Racine, Wis. Also left to cherish his memory are his sisters-in-law, Grace Rowley of Gladwin, Patricia Ozybko of Rochester Hills and Edith Blust of East Tawas; along with several nieces and nephews.
Buck was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alberta Pavlik; his grandson, Jens Gillings; his siblings, Veronica "Bunny" (Tom) Reder, Janette (Ralph) Janusz, and Vince (Barb) Pavlik; his sister-in-law, Pam Pavlik; his mother- and father-in-law Alfred and Ethel Donovan; sisters-in-law, Mary Donovan and Noreen Caraway; brothers-in-law, George Rowley, Ron Ozybko, Ken Blust, John Donovan, Tim (Diane) Donovan and Patrick "Ricky" Donovan; and the best family dog ever, Scout.
Buck and Jean lived in the Clayton Township (Twining) for over 50 years. Because of his declining health, they moved to New Hope Bay Assisted Living in Bay City. The Care Staff that worked with him daily showed him so much love and compassion right up to the very end. He loved them as much as they loved him. Also, the family appreciates the Transitions Care Hospice Team that made his final journey comfortable and pain free.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Clarkston SCAMP Camp, or Transitions Care Hospice.
One of Buck's favorite things to do when he wasn't working at his shop or in his garden, was watching the Detroit Tigers and Lions. He was a lifelong fan! In fact, one of the last things he said to his family during his transition was "I'm going home after the baseball game is over!" He followed that up with the fact that his life partner, Jean, was "the best pitcher ever!" Well, the game is now over, but one thing we know….He loved his "Sweat Pea" like no other and he will be missed! The Buck stops here!