Frank (Fritz) Pavka of Lethbridge, formerly of Cranford, Alberta, beloved husband of Mary Ann Pavka passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the age of 94 years.

     Frank is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Ann; his six children and their families: Terry (Donna) Pavka, Jeremy Pavka, MacKenzie (Abigail) Pavka, Jane (Jim) Bettcher, Jaylene (Calin) Yablonski, Jaden (Erin) Bettcher & great-grandson Jace, Joyce (Guy) Sunada, Kimberly (Scott) Roy & great-grandson Deacon, Lindsey (Michael) Tasse, Melanie Sunada (Dylan Nowakowski), Jennifer (Roger) Wallace, Travis (Natasha) Wallace & great-grandson Lincoln, Olivia Wallace, MJ (Matt) Kabayama, Jazmine Kabayama (Adam Riedlhuber), Ellie Kabayama, Joshua Kabayama, Patrick Pavka, Brady Pavka (Teighana Crawford), Mallory Pavka, Alyssa Pavka, Jaxxon Pavka, Roman Pavka. Frank is also survived by his siblings: Mildred (Ray) Bagozzi and Laddie (Anne) Pavka and Sisters in-law: June Lastuka, Ann Lastuka and Gina Baird, as well his brother in-law: John (Heidi) Lastuka and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

     Frank was pre-deceased by his parents, Anna & Frank Sr. Pavka; Mary Ann’s parents George and Rose Lastuka; as well as his sisters Lydia (Bill) Unrau, Polly (John) Venechuk and brother’s in-law Bill Lastuka and Nick Lastuka; and niece, Lisa (Pavka) Foote.

     Frank was born in Raymond, Alberta and attended school in Neidpath (Cranford) and Barnwell. As a young fellow, he was actively involved playing fastball and hockey. He was known as quite an athlete, and it appears he has passed these gifts onto his children and grandchildren. Frank had to leave school at a young age to work on and run the family farm, however, he continued his athletic endeavours by adding curling, golf, and pool to his repertoire throughout the years.

On February 19, 1955, Frank married Mary Ann Lastuka and they resided in Cranford where they raised their six children. They periodically took time to travel, venturing to Vegas, Hawaii, Penticton, and California.

     Frank was an accomplished ‘mixed irrigation’ farmer, who saw many changes over his life span. From flood irrigation to hand-moves, wheel moves, to pivots.  From horse and buggy, to thrashing machines, to large, sophisticated equipment. He continuously strove to enhance his crops and improve the quality of his cattle, which paid off as he was a celebrated high tonnage sugar beet grower and produced first-rate grain harvests. Frank ensured each child participated in the farming operation and instilled his hard work ethic in them all.

     Throughout the years, Frank served on many commodity boards and associations, offering his expertise and opinion to help make things better for each group.

      Once Frank finally decided to retire, he and Mary Ann moved to their condo in Lethbridge where they lived for the past 27 years. Frank continued to nurture the garden at the farm and share his harvest of plenty with neighbours at the condo. Frank and Mary Ann spent many relaxing days on the golf course, Tuesday nights at the movies, and evenings playing crib and competitive marble games. Frank also enjoyed creating a variety of wood working projects and played a lot of pool with the condo buddies. Frank appreciated touching base with neighbours as he went for his daily walks. He’d often check up on others and share his funny stories.

     As his children and grandchildren grew and got involved in their own activities, Frank played many roles: coach, cheerleader, chauffeur, advisor to all, and general support person for each of them. Frank was a dedicated family man, his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He was very proud of each of his children and grandchildren and really enjoyed watching his great grand-boys grow.

     Frank’s gentle manner and sense of humour will be dearly missed.

   A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Monday, January 9, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.  

     Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 119 14 St NW #100, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6.