Obit: Pawlowski, Annabelle M. (1921 - 2016)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Ackerman, Brandl, Donlevy, Esser, Gowey, Graham, Gundrum, Heldt, Kloth, Knott, Koehler, Kutzke, Lepak, Pawlowski, Rauen, Schmidt, Speller, Westfall, Zillmer

----Source: WIGM/WKEB Obituaries (Medford, WI) 6/23/2016

Pawlowski, Annabelle M. (Donlevy) (4 NOV 1921 - 16 JUN 2016)

Annabelle M. Pawlowski, 94, Wausau, formerly of Athens, died Tuesday June 21, 2016 at Benedictine Living Community, Wausau, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Annabelle was born at home in Oconto, WI on November 4, 1921 as the first of four children to Austin and Agnes (Speller) Donlevy.

She attended grade school at a one room country school for grades 1st through 8th. Annabelle walked to school every day, and during the winter, she would stop by neighbors to warm up. When she went to high school, she would stay with relation in town and walk from there. She would go home on the weekends. Annabelle would milk cows with her mother during threshing times as well as the neighbor's cows. She graduated from Oconto High School in 1940.

After graduating, Annabelle had taken a babysitting job for some friends of the family in West Allis where she would meet the love of her life, Florian Pawlowski. Florian's mother knew the family and told him there was a nice girl there. He came back home and told his mother that he was going to marry that pretty girl. They had their first date at the State Fair and on June 3, 1947 Annabelle married Florian at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Oconto with a reception and dance that followed. They later held a reception and dance near Athens as well. He preceded her in death September 14, 2005.

Florian took over his parent's farm 5 miles east of Athens. Together, they raised four children: David, Kathy, Sharon, and Linda. Annabelle belonged to the St. Anthony's Church in Athens as a member of the PCCW Catholic Order of Foresters. She chaired many card parties and also belonged to a Homemakers club. Florian was in the Catholic Order of Foresters and also the Marathon County Board. This allowed them to travel to many places including Niagara Falls, Disney, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and Florida.

Summers kept Annabelle very busy with a large garden and canning in the fall. She made the best garlic dill pickles as well as the best Pfeffernüsse cookies and kiddie cocktails. She also helped with barn chores and during haying season she drove the baler tractor. Holidays were also busy. They were spent at the farm with all the children and grandchildren coming over to celebrate. This included anywhere from 20-30 people. The holiday tradition is still carried on by her youngest daughter Linda along with her husband Mike. With 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, family gatherings now include anywhere from 40-50 people.

Annabelle loved to be able to spend time with her family. She enjoyed putting puzzles together with her grandchildren and had quite the collection of puzzles that they would work on together. She also enjoyed watching the Packer games and doing word searches along with the various Benedictine activities. Though one of her favorite activities included her many visits from her daughter Kathy and husband Dale where she would frequently beat them at King's in the Corner.

Annabelle is survived by her son, David Pawlowski, Athens, daughters, Katherine (Dale) Rauen, Edgar, Sharon (Daniel) Westfall, Athens, Linda (Michael) Kloth, Medford, brother, Bernard (Mildred) Donlevy, Oconto, sister, Donna (Frank) Esser, Waukesha, brother-in-law, Lawrence Koehler, Hartford, grandchildren, Suzette (David) Zillmer, Michael (Tina) Pawlowski, Sandra (Leon) Gundrum, Tracy (Jason) Lepak, Kristina (James) Knott, Sara (William) Schmidt, Jennifer (Shain) Gowey, Ember (Michael) Ackerman, Nicole (fiance' Kyle Kutzke) Madison, Enita (Matthew) Brandl, Crystal Kloth, 26 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, Annabelle was preceded in death by her sister, Caroline Koehler, grandson, Travis Westfall, granddaughter, Kelly Ann Westfall, daughter-in-law, Phyllis Pawlowski, brother-in-law, Frank Pawlowski and foster sister-in-law, Virginia Heldt.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday June 25, 2016, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Rev. George Graham will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Benedictine Living Community and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the compassionate care given to Annabelle during her time with them.