Floyd Pawlak

March 31, 1938-Dec. 23, 2011

Floyd G. Pawlak, 73, of Dayton, Minn., died from complications of lung cancer on Friday, December 23, 2011.

Floyd was born to Joseph and Evina Pawlak on March 31, 1938 in Perham. He was raised on, and later took over the family farm in Ogema. He was in the National Guard for eight years.

In 1966, he sold the farm and moved the family to Breckenridge, Minn., where he worked for RoBanks Tool and Dye.

In 1967, the family moved to Minneapolis, where he worked for Jet-o-Matic, which later became Apache Corp.

In 1970, they moved to Brooklyn Park, where he later worked at WMW and UMC.

In 1983, Floyd and Patsy started their own business, P & F Machining, Inc. Floyd started the shop with a single-manual lathe, which grew into his successful business of 40 employees, now located in Dayton.

When Floyd was 62, he retired and demoted himself to the company truck driver, as he now trusted his family members with his pride and joy, his business.

Later, as the lowest paid employee, as he often jokingly reminded us, he continued to provide valuable input and guidance.

To our surprise, in 2004 Dad finally chose to slow down, kick back and enjoy the fruits of his labor, and purchased a winter home in Cape Coral, Fla. That is where we saw our dad's legs for the first time. We did have to teach him a little bit about fashion, and were able to convert him from his tall black socks to the short white ones. He enjoyed sitting on the lanai, watching his favorite show, FOX News 24/7.

The home in Florida turned out to be the third love of his life, next to his family and his business. And that is where he chose to spend his last days.

After many years of hard work, he briefly departed from his conservative ways, opened his wallet, blew out the mothballs and purchased his dream car, a 1957 Chevy convertible, which he was able to enjoy the last two years of his life.

As the Hospice services were arranged, he was asked which home he wanted to go home to, he chose his Florida home, by way of the shop, of course.

Floyd was a great man and mentor, respected by all. His wittiness continued through his final days as he impatiently told his daughter, “You’re not doing anything. You can wait for the damn doctor, I'm going to the truck.”

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Evina. He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy; his children, Tammy (Jim) Courtright, Debbie (Perry) Galvan, Sue (Mike) Harff, Dan (Corene) Pawlak and Steve (Kristi) Pawlak; 15 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; brothers, Paul (Pam) and Bob (Lea); his sisters, Judy and Jan (Issy); in-laws, Kathy, Danny, Merle and Terry; and a host of other family and friends.

Memorials are preferred, to St. Johns the Baptist Catholic Church in Dayton or the church of your choice.

Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29 at Dares Funeral Home 805 Main St. NW, Elk River, Minn., and one hour prior to mass at the church on Friday.

The mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30 at St. Johns the Baptist Catholic Church, 18380 Columbus St., Dayton, with burial in the church cemetery.

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