Marko John Pavlovich

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Marko John Pavlovich, 86, of Ironwood, died peacefully early Wednesday morning, Feb. 8, 2017, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community in Ironwood, with his loving wife by his side.

He was born Nov. 20, 1930, in Ironwood, son of Marko and Julia (Sertich) Pavlovich. He attended Newport School and graduated with the Class of 1948 from Luther L. Wright High School and upon graduation, went to work for Sears. Marko was called into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, he continued to work at Sears until opening the Gambles Hardware Store with partner John Maslanka. He later became the sole owner and operated the store with his family. After semi-retirement, he worked for J.C. Penney Co.

Marko was married to Marion Gust on July 31, 1954. They have five children, Debbie, Mark, Tony, Tom, Chris and their spouses; five grandchildren, Dan, Anna, Jeff, Brent and Brandon; and two great-grandchildren, Michael and Asher Marko.

Marko pitched for Rigoni's fast pitch softball team and was an accomplished bowler for the Sears team. A member of the Gogebic Country Club, Marko was a competitive golfer, winning multiple tournaments. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Parish, volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. After his daily walk, he took pleasure creating items in his workshop, remodeling his home, making furniture and was happiest helping his kids with finishing basements and remodeling homes. Marko was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.

Preceding Marko in death were his parents, Marko and Julia Pavlovich; an infant brother; sister, Katherine Maki; brother, Tom; brother-in-law, Atte Maki, mother-in-law, Rose Gust; father-in-law, Anton Gust; and brother-in-law, John Gust.

Surviving Mark are sisters-in-law, Elizabeth (Rod) Bernardin, Eleanor Eckert, and Ruth Gust; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Robb Jurkovich, celebrant.

Full military rites will be accorded at the church under the auspices of the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will follow in the parish hall.

Rite of Committal and interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, in the spring.

Relatives and friends may call in the St. Joseph Family Room at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, where members of Pere Menard Assembly No. 471, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, will serve as honor guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry or Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home Inc., Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Special appreciation goes out to the staff of Westgate Living Center for their support and care of Marko.