Donald F. Gavinski, Sr.

POYNETTE  --  Donald F. Gavinski, Sr., age 82, of Poynette, died on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at Columbus Community Hospital.

Donald was born on December 7, 1931 in Portage, the son of Leo and Mary Lillian (Wagner) Gavinski.  He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  Don was married on February 23, 1963 to Andrea Lee Maier.  He had worked in construction for many years.  Don was very patriotic;  he enjoyed bowling, and being a crossing guard.  He loved fishing, hunting, playing cards and yodeling.  He shared his love of music with his family by singing.  And most of all, he looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren.  Don played sports in his younger years, and was a Cubs and Packers fan throughout his life. 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Andrea (Maier) Gavinski;  his children, Jamie (Wendy) Gavinski, Pardeeville, John (Justine) Gavinski, Pardeeville, Richard (Brenda) Gavinski, Lodi, Don Gavinski, Jr., Slinger, Robert (Renee) Gavinski, Luck, WI, Kari (Michael) Schultz, Pardeeville, and Steve (Tracie) Gavinski, Poynette;  his grandchildren, Tanya, Andrew, Kayla, Emily, Kevin, Matthew, Thomas, Brylee, Emma, Grace, and Kynlee;  his step-grandchildren, Joe, Nick, and Reagan;  four brothers, Paul, Joe, Al, and Tony;  six sisters, Mary, Leona, Ann, Pat, Kathy, and Martha;  other near relatives and many close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Ethel, and his sister, Rose.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Poynette, with Fr. Raymond Dischler presiding.  Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Poynette, with military honors provided by Poynette area veterans.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2014 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette, and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church.

For the good times.