Kyle R. Pavela

Kyle Richard Pavela, 36, passed away on September 24, 2026. He was born on August 24, 1990, in Denver, Colorado, to Joseph F. Pavela and Laurie Pavela (Sova). Kyle spent his childhood in Parker, Colorado and La Crosse, Wisconsin, and later lived in Milwaukee.

Kyle was endearing, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate. He made every person feel seen, heard, and loved. He did not know a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued. His kindness, humor, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Kyle was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 1 and underwent 27 surgeries throughout his life, with his first surgery at 18 months old. He faced many physical challenges and pain, yet he rarely complained. His perseverance and strength were evident in the way he lived each day. A few of Kyle’s mottos were “Life is tough, but God is faithful” and “Hard is ok.”

Kyle graduated from Luther High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Wisconsin Lutheran College. He dedicated his time to several churches throughout his life. During his final year, Kyle found his way to Southeast Christian Church in New Albany, Indiana. He attended services with his sister, Hope, brother-in-law, Christian, niece, Olivia, and mother, Laurie and participated in various small groups within the church. His faith in Jesus Christ was central to his life.

Kyle loved the Lord deeply. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is now at home with his Lord and Savior, free from pain and reunited with his father, Joseph and other family members who preceded him in death. As Scripture promises, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8

Kyle loved his family wholeheartedly. He shared a deep bond with his mother, Laurie, whom he affectionately called “Ma.” She may not have loved the nickname, but she grew used to hearing it from him. Not a day went by that Kyle wasn’t talking about his mother, Laurie. She was his light, and he was hers.

Family meant everything to Kyle. Some of his fondest childhood memories were of the weekly family bowling league, fishing with his great-aunts and great-uncles on the mighty Mississippi, playing poker, and gathering to watch football on Sundays. He treasured those moments—the laughter, the stories, and simply being together—and carried them close to his heart throughout his life.

Kyle loved his sister, Hope, with his whole heart. He was proud of the mother she became and cherished the family they shared. His niece, Olivia, was one of the greatest joys of his life. Kyle moved to Indiana to be closer to his family and his “special girl.” He adored Olivia and being her Uncle Ky-Ky meant the world to him.

Kyle also deeply loved his godchildren, Wesley and Haylee Rahn. They held an incredibly special place in his heart, and he took great pride in being part of their lives. Being their godfather meant so much to him, and the love and pride he had for them was evident anytime he talked about them.

Kyle showed love by paying attention. He checked on everybody and made sure the people he cared about were heard, encouraged, and loved. He found quiet, practical ways to look after others and made people feel important simply by being present.

Kyle was known by many as Ky-Ky or KP. He was very frugal, loved finding a good deal, and hated to waste anything. Then there were sports. Kyle loved the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Duke basketball, and especially enjoyed following Tiger Woods and Coach K. His knowledge of sports was remarkable. He could talk about it all day. His humor, generosity, and ability to make people feel comfortable will be deeply missed.

Kyle was preceded in death by his father, Joseph F. Pavela; his infant brother, Joseph Lyle Pavela; his maternal grandparents, Lyle Sova and OraLeona Sova (Seymour); and his paternal grandparents, Richard Pavela and Virginia Pavela (Ebner), and his father’s sister, Virginia Armstrong.

He is survived by his mother, Laurie Pass; stepdad, Robert Pass Jr.; sister, Hope Oiler (Pavela); brother-in-law, Christian Oiler; niece, Olivia Leona Oiler; bonus-siblings, LaSarha Swanson (Pass), Robert Pass III., and Casey Pass; Aunt and Uncle, Bart and Toni Corfee and children, Brendan Corfee, Katelyn Corfee and cousin Charlie Cerra; great aunt and uncle, Toni and David Felde, their daughter Tiffany Rahn (Felde), husband Peter Rahn and children Wesley and Haylee Rahn, as well as many other extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Kyle will be remembered for his faith, humor, perseverance, compassion, and unwavering ability to make people feel seen, heard, and loved. His family will carry his love with them forever and always as he was their light.

His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; You were faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of the Lord.” — Matthew 25:21

Funeral services for Kyle will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 131 S. Main St., Chaseburg, WI 54621. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m. for those who are unable to attend the funeral service. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow the service at the church. Following the luncheon, Kyle’s family will proceed to Walnut Mound Cemetery in Retreat, Wisconsin, where his ashes will be laid to rest. Walnut Mound Cemetery is located at E3608 County Rd N, De Soto, WI 54624.

Memorial Gifts can be made in the form of donations to Turning Point USA and Crown of Life Christian Academy in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.