Richard Lee Pavelka, 69, of Manhattan, passed away early Saturday, October 16th, at Via Christi Village. Working for the State of Kansas, he provided social work for the Manhattan community for 25 years. Richard was born in Hastings, Nebraska on April 29, 1952, the son of the late Albert and Margaret (Strawser) Pavelka. He received a degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as well as a master's degree in social work from the University of Kansas. Richard and Suzanne Marie Lindberg were married on September 18, 1982, in Lincoln, Nebraska. They were married for 37 years, until Suzanne's passing on July 19, 2020. Richard is survived by his sons Anthony and Jeffrey, a grandson Arthur, and three siblings; Ronald, Leonard, and Sandra. Services are private at the convenience of the family. To send an online condolence visit the funeral home website at www.irvinparkview.com. Funeral arrangements are with Carlson's Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation, Manhattan.