Erv Safranek

Erv Safranek, 101, of Paw Paw, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 21, 1924, in Kenosha, WI, the son of Joseph and Sophie (nee Vykruta) Safranek. He married Agnes Kettley on September 12, 1948.

Erv lived in many different places, including Chicago, Berwyn, Yorkville, and Somonauk before his family moved to Paw Paw in 1929. Erv graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1943. He was drafted into the US Navy and served from 1943-1946. After returning from the service, he went to work for his mom and dad in the family bakery. They started selling groceries in the bakery and eventually, in the late 1950’s, they expanded to build Safranek’s Supermarket. The market also featured a deli which included the famous Safranek potato salad. He met his future wife, Agnes, in summer of 1946. They dated for two years, got engaged in 1947 and were married in 1948, honeymooning in Niagara Falls. They had their first son in 1951 and their second son in 1954. Erv and Aggie loved vacationing. They traveled to Expo ‘67 in Toronto, Canada, enjoyed summer vacations in Delavan, WI, and winters in Florida.

Erv was a lifelong servant to his community. He was a charter member of the Paw Paw Lions club for 80 years. After a fire in 1972 did significant damage to downtown Paw Paw, he and other community members helped organize the Paw Paw Progress Corporation to rebuild the downtown. He belonged to the Paw Paw American Legion. He was a devout member of the Paw Paw United Methodist Church. He built a legacy of service for which his community will be forever grateful.

Erv is survived by his two sons, Gary (Lori) Safranek and Craig Safranek; seven grandchildren, Nic (Sara) Safranek, Chris Safranek, Brady (Jonna) Safranek, Doug (Christine Maxstadt) Safranek, Stacy (Ray) Binkowski, Lindsay Safranek, and Timothy Safranek; five great-grandchildren, Sophie, Vincent, Elijah, Hannah, and Joey; one brother, Otto (June) Safranek; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Erv is preceded in death by his wife, Aggie; brother, Joseph Robert (Mary) Safranek; and a sister, Violet (Ray) Reese.

Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Paw Paw United Methodist, 370 Wiley Avenue, in Paw Paw.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the church with Pastor David Hamer officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Wyoming Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Erv’s name may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com.