Donald ‘Don’ Stanley Pavel, 60, of Washburn went to rest on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008 at his home. He was born Aug. 30, 1947 in St. Paul to Edna and Stanley Pavel. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War from 1966-1972. Don was the longtime band leader and lead guitar player for Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra and the musical partner of Warren Nelson and the Lost Nation String Band members since the mid 1970s. Don began his musical career on the accordion at age five. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Don is survived by his loving partner, Therene Gazdik; two sons, Mason (Rachel) Pavel and Ira Pavel; and their mother, Sharla Nelson Pavel; sister, Barbara Pavel Jurek; step daughter, Joni ‘Tunes’ Hudson; and cousins, Jerry Graff and Carol Spescha.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE:1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 at StageNorth in Washburn. Visitation one hour prior to the services. A reception follows at StageNorth. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Don’s sons. Memorials may be sent to Big Top Chautauqua, PO Box 455, Washburn, WI 54891 in care of Mason Pavel. ‘Diddlin’ Dug, The picnic of our music is all laid over the fabric of Don’s playing’, Warren Nelson.

Duluth News Tribune