Robert S. Gavlak


Robert S. Gavlak, 73, of Houtzdale was called to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013 at 7:37 PM at his home with his loved ones at his side.

Bob was born on July 2, 1940 at Woodward Twp. a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Warholic) Gavlak.

He graduated from the former Houtzdale Woodward Brisbin High School in 1958 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 - 1964.

Bob retired as a heavy equipment mechanic from Beckwith Machinery, now Cleveland Brothers.

Bob was a parishioner of St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield. He was a member of the International Union of Engineers, Local 66 for over 40 years; a member of the American Legion Freeberg Post #591, Houtzdale and the VFW Post 3450, Philipsburg, he a was a former officer and member of the Morann Rod and Gun Club, Morann.

On Sept. 20, 2008, Bob married Pam (Reitmyer) Gavlak who survives at home. They renewed their wedding vows on Sept. 20, 2013 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield. Bob and Pam shared a life together for 28 years.

Bob is survived by daughters, Tina Reed and her husband Dave of Olanta and Deborah Freeland and her husband Todd of Clearfield; a son , Robert S. Gavlak, II of Houtzdale; a step daughter, Renee Anderson and her husband Todd of Madera and 10 grandchildren.

He is survived by two sisters and two brothers, Marie Murawski and her husband Charles of Houtzdale, Joanna Lazeration of Linden, NJ, Joseph Gavlak and his wife Jeanette of Houtzdale and Ronald Gavlak of Houtzdale; two sister -in-laws, Joyce and Judy Gavlak; his mother-in-law, Rose Reitmyer; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael and Albert Gavlak; an infant sister; a brother-in-law, Paul Lazeration and his father-in-law, James Reitmyer.

Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman and was a strong loving man.

Friends will be received on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 1-4 and 6-9 PM and on Friday, Oct. 11 from 8 - 9 AM at the Kruise Funeral Home, Inc, Madera. A Military Memorial Service will be held on Thursday at 7:00 PM in the funeral home by the American Legion Freeberg Post 591.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 11 at 10:00 AM in St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield with Msgr. H. Desmond McGee, Jr. as celebrant.



Memorial donations may be made to Clearfield Hospital Hospice. Condolences may be sent to: condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com.

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