Winnebago, Minnesota - Gary Pawlitschek, of Winnebago, MN, passed away at age 77, on Saturday, November 27, 2021.

Gary Lee Pawlitschek was born on June 9, 1944, to John (Jack) William and Florence Rose (Renczykowski) Pawlitschek. At age 5, the family moved from Heron Lake to the Jeffers area. Gary attended country school through the fifth grade, at District #55 in Dale Township. He then attended school in Jeffers, graduating with the Jeffers High School class of 1962.

He was active in his family farm operation. At the age of 15, he rented a 240-acre farm with his brother and farmed that while in high school. He was involved and excelled in sports at Jeffers High School, lettering in four sports: football, basketball, baseball, and track.

Gary went on to Mankato State College. He was a member of the college basketball team for three years. He graduated in 1967, with a major in business administration, economics, and a minor in psychology. After graduating from college, he began his 41-year agriculture banking career with Farm Credit in Windom, Federal Intermediate Credit Bank of St. Paul, and Farm Credit in Fairmont, Worthington, and Emmetsburg, Worthington-Brewster banks and Truman bank. He worked for more than 21 years in ag banking, retiring in 2010. During his lifetime he remained active in farming; owning and managing his own farmland.

He was in the military service during Vietnam era with the 492nd Engineering Army Reserve unit in Mankato from 1968 - 1974. He attained the rank staff sergeant E-6.

In January 1989, he married Carolyn Chafee Dahms. They later divorced. From this marriage they had a daughter, Katelyn (Kelsi) Rose Pawlitschek, born on July 13th, 1991. Gary has been Kelsi's biggest supporter and care giver, while being wheelchair bound during her lifetime. She has lived with Dad since graduating from high school. Gary was dedicated to his daughter and made sure she was taken care of.

Gary was an outdoor person. He was an avid pheasant, duck, and deer hunter. No one will forget his golden lab, Jessie. He liked fishing, especially with friends. He enjoyed feeding the birds and caring for Kelsi's cats and her dog, "Baby", along with her pet ducks. The farm boy in him caused him to raise a large garden of which he mostly gave away. Gary will be remembered for his sense of fair play, sharing, and hard work. I don't know of an employee who worked with him that didn't call him a friend.

He is survived by his daughter, Katelyn Kelsi Rose and stepson, Nathan Dahms; nephew, John (Tammy) Anderson and children, Quentin, Cody & Mason; nephew, Mike (Janet) Anderson and children, Matthew & Micara; nephew, Jim (Vicky) Anderson and children, Trenton & Robby; nephew, Kent (Jackie) Anderson and children, Hunter & Hayden; niece, Karen (Dean) Kappes and children, Kelsey, Preston, Halley, Jadey & Carely; sister, Gerry Maras and family: nephew, Paul Maras Jr., and daughter, Jessica; nephew, Jeff Maras and children, Michelle, Nicole, Rachel & Jeff Jr; nephew, Matt (Daphney) Maras and children, Andrew, Mariah & Cierra; niece, Anna (Will) Johnston; nephew, Wayne (Cheri) Maras and children, Tristyn & Tyler; niece, Beth (Gary) Kalash; niece, Belle (Duane) Harder and children, Darby, Derrick, and Drake; sister-in-law, Raynette Pawlitschek and family: nephew, Garret (Susan) Pawlitschek; nephew, Terry (Maya) Pawlitschek and Cole; and many great-great nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Florence Pawlitschek; brother, Larry "Lawrence" Pawlitschek; sister, Lorraine Anderson; and two brothers-in-law, Ray Anderson and Paul Maras.

Blessed be the memory of Gary Lee Pawlitschek.