Full Obituary

Theresa M. Pawlak, 85, died on October 1, 2016 at her home in Thorp. She was born on May 15, 1931 in Owen, Wisconsin to James and Ida (Vander Wegen) Devine. She was their first daughter, joining her older brothers Bill, Bob and Pete. The family would eventually include 14 children, and Theresa played an important role in raising her younger siblings.
She attended grade school in Owen until she was 12 and the Devine family moved to a farm in Withee on the Black River. There she attended the one-room Poppy School with her brothers and sisters. She graduated from Owen High School in 1949. She was a cheerleader in high school which led to her lifelong love of football. She was an avid Packer fan and was a regular attendee with her friends at Thorp High football and basketball games.
On June 16, 1951 she married Joseph Pawlak. The couple lived together in Thorp for 65 years, and were members of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church. Theresa was a talented seamstress and created many wedding dresses for family and friends. Her best friends were in her bridge club and they played regularly for decades.
Survivors include her husband Joe Pawlak; daughter Jody (Dan) Beighley; son Greg (Stacey) Pawlak; granddaughters Sarah Beighley and Alice Beighley; grandson David Pawlak; and great-grandson Jonathan Beighley. She is also survived by brothers Bob Devine, Burt Devine, Tom (Sandy) Devine, and Ted (Maryann) Devine; her sisters Janice (Lyle) Johnson and Kay (Jack) Parker; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Bill, Pete, David, Pat, Mike and Dan, and her sister Marilyn Brey.
Theresa’s kindness, generosity and fun-loving nature will be missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at St. Bernard - St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Thorp. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Hedwig's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, from 11:00am until time of service.