Tyrell John Pavelec, age 27, was born September 10, 1990, son of Ann Harms and Bruce Pavelec. He passed away October 2, 2017 surrounded by family, friends and his brother Trent at his side. Tyrell was a lifelong member of St. John’s United Church of Christ- Siegel where he was baptized and confirmed. He was born with a grin that could melt your heart. When he was naughty and full of wise cracks, he would flash that grin. You never knew if he deserved a spanking or if you should burst out laughing.
While in second grade, he was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and within 3 months, Friedreichs Ataxia. Tyrell and his family were informed of the typical progression of these diseases. They determined that they were not going to focus on the negative, but rather focus on living life to its fullest. At that time, he gave up his participation in the Little Panther Wrestling Club.
The years from 3rd through 8th grade were mostly normal, but it was highly recommended that he start using a walker. Tyrell fought it because he was afraid it was going to be one with tennis balls on the legs. After a badly twisted ankle, he became wheelchair bound. In high school he used a three wheeled scooter which provided him a great sense of independence. Having the mentality and fortitude of a teenager, Tyrell fought almost every change of equipment, but the reality was he was stuck in a failing body. He was not known for his patience, as stubbornness and determination were his strongest traits.
During junior high, Tyrell helped manage the DT Wrestling Team, then in high school, helped manage the high school football team. He graduated from Tripoli High School in 2009 with the highlight of his senior year being honored as the Homecoming King. To his dying day he was an avid follower of high school sports, especially football, volleyball and wrestling. He also enjoyed the NFL and fantasy football. This passion was made evident Monday in the emergency room as he requested a run-down of Sunday’s NFL game scores.
Being a die-hard fan of Iowa State University, he was determined to attend college classes there, ultimately being accepted for a summer trial semester. It was an eight week program with a few bumps, but he was successful. Tyrell returned home to attend Hawkeye Community College. With transportation assistance from Trent, he had another semester under his belt. He also pursued his coaching certification and continued to help with the Tripoli High School football program. He also became an inspirational member of the Tripoli Karate Club. He helped with the Social Work program at Wartburg College and at the Retrieving Freedom dog training facility. He enjoyed playing video games, schafkopf, Yahtzee, and Wii until the loss of his eye sight due to optic atrophy. He then passed his time by listening to audio books. Harry Potter and The Game of Thrones were his favorites. His last word spoken was “Aria,” after Trent had given him a rundown on the 6th Chapter of Game of Thrones.
That grin that melted your heart, usually had a comical story or joke with it. These most often were inspired by his Grandpa Rudy. He was just one of those people that you instantly fell in love with.
Tyrell’s mission statement found in the brochure promoting his motivational speaking campaign was: Determined to be the ONE that influences change in the lives of MANY. He did this by speaking at local high schools and clubs. His influences were honored in May 2016 when he received the “Friends of Education” award during the Tripoli graduation commencement.
Tyrell is survived by his mother, Ann Harms (Larry Piehl, Katelynn, Conner) his father, Bruce Pavelec (Jessica Burgart, Mason Malget) and brother Trent. Maternal Grandmother, Velma Matthias. Paternal Grandparents, Rudolph and Gertrude Pavelec. Aunts and Uncles, Logen (Robin) Harms, Michael (Mary) Harms, David (Linda) Harms, Sarah (Jeff) Robbins, Susan (Neil) Matthias, Sandra (Kevin) Kuhlmann, Sonya (AJ) Semelroth, and 33 cousins.
He was preceded in death by, Maternal Grandfather, Marvin Harms, Maternal step Grandfather, Lavern Matthias and Uncle Kent Harms.
