Janet R. Pavlini-Gregory, 50, of Eau Claire passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 25, 2006, surrounded by her loving husband and many close friends at Sacred Heart Hospital. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 23, 1955, the daughter of Edward and Ruth (Mika) Pavlini. \r\nJanet graduated from Wheaton Central High School Chicago, IL in 1973, and received her B.S. Degree in science and education from UW-Eau Claire in 1977. She completed numerous graduate study courses, professional education seminars, and continuing education courses throughout both of her careers. \r\nJanet married Larry C. Gregory in Eau Claire on February 21, 1981.\r\nShe was employed for 7 years by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in Eau Claire, in their solid waste program. She then became the Eau Claire County Solid Waste Manager for fourteen years until 1996. \r\nJanet was a long term substitute teacher for over three years at Chi-High in Chippewa Falls, and taught physics, chemistry, and biology the past five years at McDonell Central Catholic High School in Chippewa Falls. As much as her 20 plus years in the solid waste industry meant to Janet, her true calling was her undying love for the students she worked with over the past eight years. Nothing was more important to Janet than making sure she had time for each and every student that needed her help. She was devoted to making every student understand she was always there for them no matter what. She had a profound affect on the lives of all of the students she came in contact with. McDonnell High School's students and staff brought out the very best that Janet had to offer. \r\nShe was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, participating in its Bell Choir and was a past church personnel committee member. She was active for many years as a trainer for the Girl Scout program in Eau Claire. Janet was an avid tennis player and 20 year member of the YMCA Tennis Center in Eau Claire. She developed many close long term friendships with dozens of other players. Larry and Janet loved to go boating and spent most summer weekends on the Mississippi River near Alma, Wisconsin. \r\nJanet is survived by her husband, Larry; parents, Edward and Ruth Pavlini of Oldwick NJ; two brothers, David (Mary) Pavlini and Paul (Lori) Pavlini both of Far Hills NJ; sister, Elizabeth (Michael) Baumert of Jackson, NJ; two brothers-in-law, Jon (Michele) Kelk of St. Louis, MO and Richard (Elizabeth) Kelk of Las Cruces NM; sister-in-law, Karen (Rollie) Maum of Beloit, WI; father-in-law, Lyle Kelk of Altoona, WI; two aunts, nine nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins in the Chicago area.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her grandparents, Kathryn and John Mika, and Elizabeth and George Pavlini; and her mother-in-law, Margaret Kelk of Eau Claire. \r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2006, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Eau Claire with Pastor Thomas W. Bryan officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire. \r\nVisitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at St. John's Lutheran Church, 1804 Highland Ave., Eau Claire, and one hour prior to services Monday at the church. Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home is serving the family.\r\nIn lieu of flowers, Janet's family requests that memorials please be directed to a memorial fund being established in her name at McDonell Central Catholic High School, 1316 Bel Air Blvd, Chippewa Falls, 54729 or the St. John's Church Bell Choir, 1804 Highland Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701
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