Walt Havrilka Obituary (1932 - 2018)

Walt Havrilka, 86, of Pana passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018 in his home. He was born July 28, 1932 in Pana to the late John & Pauline (Dudra) Havrilka. Walt attended Sacred Heart School and was a graduate of Pana High School. He lived his whole life in Pana and served in the U.S. Army. Walt worked for Caterpillar for 40 years, retiring in 1990. He also served on the Pana City Council. He was a member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana for 86 years and a founding member of the Pana Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Pana VFW. Walt loved high school sports, attending any and every game that he could. He and his family attended the IHSA basketball tournament for 42 years. He and Marg started the Pana Quarterback Club and chaired the athletic board at Sacred Heart School. Walt enjoyed golfing, fishing, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Walt married Marg McLeod on September 5, 1959 in St. Mary's Church, Assumption and she preceded him in death on August 4, 2016. Walt is survived by his children: Bill (Laura) Havrilka, St. Louis, MO; Ron (Laura) Havrilka, Pana, IL; Tom (Nicki) Havrilka, St. Louis, MO; Judi (Jeff) Witt, Pana, IL; Jennifer (Jeff) Sisk, Pana, IL; grandchildren: Kate, Michele, Curt, Shannon, Trevor, Grace, Jared (Liz), Jordan, Dylan; and great grandchildren: Willow Schneider & Dax Witt. He was also preceded by his brothers: Louis Havrilka, Jim Havrilka & Lawrence Havrilka; and sister, Veronica Havrilka. Memorial mass for Walt will be held Saturday, December 15, 2018 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Rodney A. Schwartz and Rev. Joseph Havrilka officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Assumption with graveside military rites by Pana Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Memorial's in Walt's honor may be made to Sacred Heart School, P.O. Box 440, Pana, IL 62557.