Donald Pawlak, of Elcho, died on his birthday Tuesday, October 20, 2015. He was 65 years old. He was born in Milwaukee, a son of Andrew and Jean (Rydzewski) Pawlak, they survive and live in Antigo.

He was a graduate of Homestead High School in Mequon with the class of 1968.

Don was a Police Officer with the city of Antigo for many years. He was a longtime member and 20 year chief of the Langlade County Rural Fire Control and served on the Langlade County Fire Investigation team as well as an arson investigator for the state of Wisconsin. For several years he served as a Langlade County deputy Coroner.

He was a volunteer with Crime Stoppers, and taught ATV and gun safety programs in Langlade County.

Don enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors including his parents are a sister, Diane (Scott) Olson, Kenosha; a brother Ronald (Diane) Pawlak, Cedarburg; three neices and a nephew: Kristan Olson, Lisa (Brad) Manz, Amy (Troy) Daniels and Brad Pawlak; great niece and nephews Cooper, Ella, Sawyer, and Wesley.

He was preceded in death by a nephew Matthew Olson.

The funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will be 2 – 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Funeral Home and on Monday in Hoffmann Hall at St. John Catholic Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. A parish wake service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.