91, Red Hat Society Lady worked in a hand grenade factory in WWII, then worked for International Harvester
Virginia May Pavlik, daughter of William and Lillian Steinhaus Mendyk, was born, June 30, 1918, in Harvey, Ill.
She departed this life, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at Osage Beach Health Care Center in Osage Beach at the age of 91 years, 4 months and 121 days.
On March 6, 1937, in Downers Grove, Ill., she was united in marriage to Walter Pavlik and this union was blessed with one daughter. Together they shared 44 years of marriage, until his passing on Dec. 9, 1981.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Willard Mendyk and two sisters, Isabelle Unger and Frances Benson.
Survivors include her daughter, Nancy and husband Rev. Richard Von Gunten of Camdenton; three grandchildren, Denise Vanderpool and husband Franz of Osage Beach, Larry Von Gunten of Jefferson City, Mo., and David Von Gunten and wife Kerri of Camdenton; six great-grandchildren, Adam Vanderpool, William Vanderpool, Samuel Vanderpool and Alex Vanderpool, all of Osage Beach, Jacob Von Gunten of Columbia, Mo., and Jessica Von Gunten of Jefferson City; a sister, Lucille Balla of Westmont, Ill., and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Ginny was raised in Downers Grove, Ill. During World War II, she worked in a factory that produced hand grenades for the war. She then began a career with International Harvester in Melrose Park, Ill., that spanned for many years.
Virginia was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Camdenton where she was active in the Ladies Sodality. She was also a member of the Red Hat Ladies. She was a volunteer at Lake Regional Hospital and a member of the Hospital Auxiliary for more than 20 years
In her spare time she enjoyed doing crafts and traveling. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
Ginny was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and will treasure the memories she created for her family and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Burial will follow in Dale Blair Memorial Cemetery, Camdenton. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. Monday in the church.
Memorial donations may be made to Lake Regional Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Fund and left at the funeral home or the church the day of the service.
Online condolences may be made at www.alleeholmanhowe.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.
Camden County, Mo. —
