Andrew Pavlovec

Andy Pavlovec age 36 of North Liberty, IA, formerly of St. Lucas, IA, died Thursday, April 8, 2021, of injuries he received after being struck by a car doing the activity he loved most – riding his bike. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2021, at St. Luke's Catholic Church, St. Lucas, with his Godfather, Rev. Jim Goerend celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2021, at the church. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday. Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton is in charge of arrangements. “The sea is mightier than any river, yet the sea lies below any river, is open to any river, and receives any river.” – The Tao of Dying Andrew Riehle Pavlovec was born September 4, 1984, to Dan and Vicki (Goerend) Pavlovec at Palmer Hospital in West Union, Iowa. Andy attended St. Luke’s Catholic School and graduated from Turkey Valley High School in 2003. Throughout high school, he enjoyed physical jobs that kept him outdoors, working for local farmers, Clair Carolan Painting, and Goerend Transmission. He also shoveled Monsignor Reicks’ path to church every winter, refusing to take even a penny for this work, but was rewarded with beautiful books from Monsignor. He participated in all the usual small-town activities – 4-H, serving mass, football, wrestling – but his great love was being on stage, stealing the scene in every play. As a senior in high school, he was thrilled to be voted Turkey of the Year and to receive the Turkey Valley Theater Arts award. Andy graduated from NICC, and then transferred to the University of Iowa where he studied mathematics and engineering. While in Iowa City, Andy and Amber Hanson met and married, having two wonderful sons, Evan and Riehle, during their time together. He worked at Centro Manufacturing during this time, where he added to his expansive group of friends. While living in North Liberty, Andy volunteered as a Suicide Hotline and Sexual Abuse counselor. Andy’s many passions led to frequent gifting of food, soap, and creative fun. As a passionate environmentalist, Andy lived by the mindset reduce, reuse, recycle, and this led to his last gift. Andy was a registered organ and tissue donor. His sons, brothers, and parents received deep comfort knowing his organs are now "recycled” and his most selfless gift will sustain life for many others. Andy will also live on through his sons, Ev and Riehle. He was wholly devoted to them and they will miss his great food, building Legos, playing tag, and bedtime back rubs they received from dad every night. His humor, curiosity, generosity, and fun, laidback nature are evident whenever you spend time with his boys. Andy leaves behind his sons, but he will always be a part of them. Also left behind are his parents, Dan and Vicki Pavlovec, St. Lucas, IA; brothers Matt Pavlovec (Jacolyn), Rosemount, MN; Ryan Pavlovec (DeAnna), Arvada, CO; and Dan Jackson, Arvada CO. Grandparents Rosie "Tiny" Goerend, St Lucas, IA; and Grace Pavlovec, Fort Atkinson, IA. Nieces and nephews, Charlie and Ella, Rosemount MN, and Mya, Emma, and Gavin, of Arvada, CO. Aunts and uncles Jeanne Adams, West Union, IA; Bob (Juli) Goerend, Urbandale, IA; Dave (Darla) Goerend, Saint Lucas, IA; Maureen (Sean) Sailsbury, West Union, IA; Father Jim Goerend, Dubuque, IA; Millie Murray, Freeport, IA; Mary (Al) Hayek, Fort Atkinson, IA; Michael Pavlovec, Decorah, IA; and Joe (Laura) Pavlovec, Fairview Heights, IL. Cousins Sam (Patty) Murray; Katie (Phil) Yocum; Phil (Amanda) Hayek; Jon (Miranda) Hayek; Ali (Brandon) Albertson; Dominic (Carlee) Hayek; Brandy Montano; Joey Pavlovec; Gracie Pavlovec; Rosie Pavlovec; Jolene Goerend; Russ (Becky) Goerend; Marisa (Max) Krivachek; and Mason Goerend. And “pseudo sisters” Suzy Cousin, Cedar Falls, IA and Cat Harney, North Liberty, IA. His Uncle Pat Goerend, grandpa Dan Pavlovec, grandpa Ed Goerend, and Uncle Dan (Mag) Murray preceded Andy in death. He leaves many, many friends, who will miss his sharp wit, hilarious, rambling stories, beautiful outlook on life, and comforting hugs. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the incredible staff at The University of Iowa Hospital and the Iowa Donors Network. In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to NPR (National Public Radio) (Andy was a sustaining member), Edmunds' Park in Saint Lucas, and the Iowa Donor Network, in Andy's memory. On April 11th, 2021 Andrew Pavlovec gave the gift of life through the unselfish act of organ and tissue donation. Andy’s liver was gifted to a male in his 50’s. Andy’s heart was gifted to a male in his 60’s. One kidney was gifted to a male in his 60’s, and his other kidney was directly donated to a dear friend. His lungs will help save a male in his 50’s. Andy will also help others through the life-enhancing gifts of tissue that will allow additional recipients to lead normal and healthy lives This sharing of life will offer so much hope and possibility to others. Many lives will be impacted by Andy’s decision to care for others in a most selfless way; and because of his decision, he will forever be remembered as a hero to many. We strongly believe, “to save a single life is to save an entire world”. Indeed, Andy’s gifts have changed our world. It would bring our family immense pride to know his designation not only saved lives but also encouraged his friends and family to designate themselves. By designating yourself as an organ and tissue donor you can honor the tremendous and selfless gift made by Andy and give hope to the many people waiting for a lifesaving transplant.