Richard "Rich" Thomas Pavel, 52, Hills, died Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004, at the Heart Hospital of South Dakota in Sioux Falls, S.D.Services were Monday, Sept. 27, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Geddes, S.D. Burial was in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery.Richard Pavel was born to Charles W. and Marie Katherine (Oberbroekling) Pavel on Nov. 13, 1951, in Platte, S.D. He grew up farming with his dad and graduated from Geddes High School. He attended the Mitchell Technical School from 1978 to 1979 where he studied electronics. He worked for the United Telephone Co. in Iowa and then at Hills Telephone Co. He married Cheryl Albers on Oct. 8, 1988, at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon, S.D. The couple lived in Valley Springs, S.D., from 1988 to 1993, where he was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department. They then moved to Hills. Mr. Pavel was a member of Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, fishing and having coffee with Orv’s Coffee Klatsch. His favorite job at the telephone company was splicing cable. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Pavel, Hills; one son, Jeremy Albers, Hills; four grandchildren; one brother, Joseph Pavel, Geddes; one sister, Marjean (Rich) Peterson, Yankton, S.D.; two nieces; two nephews; and his good friend, Al Top.Mr. Pavel was preceded in death by his parents. Roste Funeral Home, Hills, was in charge of arrangements.
