David “Dave” Pavlicek, 55, Great Falls, Mont., formerly of Dickinson, died on Saturday, April 3, 2010, of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident near Raynesford, Mont. David’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 9, 2010 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Jim Braaten as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Bob Zent presiding.

Dave was born November 23, 1954, in Dickinson, the only son of Joe J. and Sylvia (Krehlik) Pavlicek. He attended St. Wenceslaus Grade School, Trinity High School, and was a graduate of State School of Science in Wahpeton.

He began his career with BNSF Railway in 1975 as a laborer and welder in Beach and Dickinson. In 1981 Dave transferred to Laurel, Mont., as Head Welder; in 1984 he transferred to Billings, Mont., as Assistant Roadmaster and then Roadmaster. In 1986, he served as Welding Supervisor in Billings transferring to Havre, Mont., in 1991 where he was promoted to Roadmaster. Dave was most recently the Roadmaster in Great Falls, also performing training and incident investigations for BNSF. He received a number of acknowledgements and awards throughout his career. He was well respected by all those with whom he worked and was a mentor to many employees.

Dave was active in outdoor organizations. He was President of Russell Country Sportsmen and a board member for Montana Wildlife Federation at the time of his death. He had a great passion for the outdoors and believed in preservation so future generations can access quality hunting and fishing. Dave was well known and respected for his involvement and leadership.

He never tired of fishing, camping and hunting. Zach was his constant outdoor companion and Isaac joined them when possible. Dave shared his stories and exploits with everyone he met. He loved sharing the outdoors with his grandchildren and teaching them all he knew. As a master outdoorsman, he hunted and fished all seasons and was rarely skunked. He loved the ruggedness of Montana and the fishing waters of North Dakota.

Dave is survived by two sons: Isaac and friend Kristen, Bismarck, and Zachery, Great Falls; six sisters: Marlene Frei, Bismarck; Peggy Berrett, Gilbert, Ariz., Ramona (Jeff) Bentz, Tulsa, Okla., Lorrie (Don Frye) Pavlicek, Bismarck, Joyce Jochim, Tulsa; and Corine (Jim) Nichwander, Kent, Wash.; two beloved grandchildren: Jordan and Jayda, Bismarck; and his nephews and nieces: Jason Frei, Dan Frei, Melissa Berrett, Trisha (Bentz) Kendall, Doug Bentz, Erin Allison, and Mackenzie Jochim. Dave was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Sylvia; and brothers-in-law Robert Frei and Robert Berrett.

Memorial donations to Russell Country Sportsmen or Montana Wildlife Federation in lieu of flowers are preferred. A memorial service will be held in Great Falls at a later date.