Ronald R. Vavra was born June 15, 1941, in Gresham, to Anton and Christine Vavra. He passed away Oct. 28, 2021, at the age of 80 years, 4 months, and 13 days.
Ron lived on the Vavra farm for 64 years, the same farm where he was born. He attended country school and later graduated from Ulysses High School in 1958. He met Patricia, his wife of 57 years, in the spring of 1963, at Karnopp Drug store, and they married in August 1964. Together they raised five children. He was a life-long Catholic, member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Nebraska Well Drillers Association. Ron had a strong entrepreneur spirit and started a successful irrigation business. Ron loved to work and was fearless when approaching new challenges, even if it meant learning a new skill.
He enjoyed stock car racing, fast Fords, collecting almost anything, red beer and polka music, but he found the greatest joy in his 12 grandchildren who might describe Grandpa as ornery, loving and a good conversationalist. He loved teaching them some of his vast knowledge of how to fix almost anything, especially with J-B Weld. Most of all, Ron had unshakeable faith and loved the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Ron was survived by his wife, Patricia Vavra; children, Jacqueline Vavra, Matthew (Nicole) Vavra, Mitchell (Tonia) Vavra, Michael Vavra, Julie (Matt) Howe; grandchildren, Caitlin (Joe) Minard, Kassidy Vavra, Joshua Vavra, Xavier Vavra, Sydney Vavra; Ashley Vavra, Christine Vavra, Alisha Vavra; Evett Howe, Lukas Howe, Isabelle Howe and Abigail Howe; siblings, Genevieve Tesina, Eleanor (Richard) Bohaty; brother-in-law, Bob Allgaier along with numerous nephews and nieces.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sally Allgaier; brother-in-law, Jack Tesina; son-in-law, Adam Underwood; nephew, Christopher Allgaier, and nephew Kevin Bohaty.
Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 2 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Utica with interment at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Dwight. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the church. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
