Karol Pavek

Karol Maureen Pavek passed away into her forever at her residence in Park Gardens, Fergus Falls, on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Karol was born on November 12, 1933in Tyler, MN to Lawrence and Arvilla (Steindorf) Krohn. Karol's formative years were spent in Wahpeton, ND where she graduated from both high school and NDSS.

She was employed in the banking industry for most of her career. It was there she met her future husband, Lawrence "Lorney" Pavek. They were married in 1953 and cherished the next 60 years together. Lorney passed away in 2014.

Upon retirement, Karol and Lorney moved from Wahpeton to their lake home on Otter Tail Lake. Karol loved the lake life; water, sun, sand, and friendly neighbors! They spent several warm winters in Port Aransas, TX, enjoying the weather, restaurants, and ocean fishing.

Karol was a rambunctious and challenging kid. She delighted in teasing and torturing her younger sister, and later mothering and spoiling her baby brother.

In her younger years, Karol loved to swim and sail. Indoors, she busied herself with cooking, sewing, decorating, entertaining, and shopping. She was a collector of most anything that would enhance her appearance, concentrating especially on lipsticks, nail polish, and costume jewelry. Karol was known for her fine taste in clothing and fashion. She had a gifted eye for color and fabric. She was always fashionably coordinated. Her health began a slow decline upon the closing of Herberger's.

Karol was active in churches throughout her life, most recently Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She also participated in several community activities. She had a lifelong love of animals. She tamed a "naughty" crow as a child, and adored her cats, Sheba, Buelah, and Ginger as an adult.

In her last years at Park Gardens, she delighted in befriending her nurses. She took a genuine interest in their families, children, significant others, and pets. She had many "favorite" nurses.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Lorney; her parents, Lawrence and Arvilla Krohn; an infant brother; brother-in-law, Lloyd Olson, and Lorney's brothers and their wives, Vernon (Laurel) Pavek and Harvey (Ardis) Pavek.

Karol leaves behind her sister, Marcie Olson of Buffalo; her brother, Larry (Sue) Krohn of Battle Lake; nieces, Susan (Ron) Boe and Diane (George) Clark; nephews, Tom (Janet) Olson, Weston (Nicole) Krohn, Gary (Susie) Pavek, and Tom (Belinda) Pavek. She also leaves behind her best friend, Hope Johnson.

Thank you to the kind and patient staff at Park Gardens and Vivie Hospice for their care and comfort, especially in Karol's final weeks.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com