Jane Denise Pawlak, age 72, of Erwin, passed away on September 30th, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by her family and friends.

Jane was born on September 1, 1952, at the Divine Infant Hospital in Wakefield, Michigan to Dominic "Dava" and Bernice (Grambow) Valesano. She graduated from Wakefield, Michigan, and continued her education at Gogebic Community College and Northern Michigan University. Jane retired as a special education teacher for the Gogebic Intermediate School District and has been a member of the ADK since retirement.

On June 8, 1974, she was united to her husband David R. Pawlak. They enjoyed sitting around the campfire with friends. They started out camping and eventually found a cottage on Chaney Lake, where they loved spending their summers and weekends together as a family. Jane loved listening to oldies music on Super Gold, watching the wildlife, and having a cocktail on the deck by the water. Most of all, she enjoyed her pontoon rides with Captain Dave.

Being a teacher she had the opportunity to spend the summers with her kids and all their friends. The house was always decorated for the holidays and seasons, and she looked forward to planting flowers and landscaping every spring. She was also very fond of many pets over the years. Grandma Janie cherished time spent with her grandchildren, especially baking, crafting, and visiting.

Jane is survived by her husband of 50 years, David; son, Jay (Heather) Pawlak of Ironwood; daughter, Lindsay (Derek) Potter of DeForest, WI; brother, John Valesano; and five grandchildren, Audra Pawlak, Jaxson Potter, Mikayla Pawlak, Zoe Potter, and Maddex Potter. Jane is further survived by many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation for Jane will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Aurora Club (101 Penokee Rd, Ironwood MI 49938) on Friday, October 25, 2024. Her funeral service will follow at the Aurora Club at 11 a.m. with Father Brian Gerber officiating. Everyone is invited to stay at the club for a time of food and fellowship celebrating Jane's life.

Jane was a "great" grandma, a wonderful mother, and a loving wife. She will be dearly missed by all.