On August 9, 2025, at the age of 100, Gladys Marie Vavra passed away peacefully at Chippewa Manor Nursing Home in Chippewa Falls, WI with family by her side.

Born June 16, 1925, “in the strawberry patch” on her family farm in Lafayette Township, she was the daughter of Alice M. (Frederick) and James H. Ryan Sr. Her mother was picking berries when labor began, a favorite story Gladys loved to share.

She attended Hendry School and Chippewa Falls Schools and was a lifelong member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church.

On October 18, 1941, she married Frank R. Vavra at St. Bridget’s Church in the town of Seymour. Together they raised ten children: Gene (Bobbi), Haugen; Kathy Dahlin, Superior; Alice (Jim) Heiden, Appleton; Howie (Jackie); Joyce (Steve) Reichow; Joe (Lesa); Julie (Dan) LaVelle; and Kelly (Dan) Begley, all of Chippewa Falls, as well as daughter and son-in-law Joann Vavra, Holcombe, and Bob Raether, Sussex. She was the proud grandmother of Patrick, Scott, Renee, Ryan V., Kelly, Jason, Jill, Jeremy, Ryanne, Diana, Meghan, Dena, Jake, Eric, Chris, Adam, Laura, Ryan B., Aaron, Tanner, Treysen, Jamie, Brett, Mitchell, and Terrin. great-grandmother to 42; and great-great-grandmother to two boys.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; daughter, Ginny Raether; son, Frank J. Vavra; son-in-law, Carl Dahlin; 3 granddaughters Mary in infancy, Holly, and Leslie; all 11 siblings and her cherished cat, Rosie.

Gladys loved her family, gardening, baking, baseball, and praying the Rosary. She filled her home with fresh bread on Mondays, chocolate chip cookies for visitors, and stories of her childhood. She enjoyed polka and Irish music, card games, picnics at Irvine Park, and country drives. She retired from Chippewa Manor Nursing Home and lived independently until 97 years old.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, Chippewa Falls. Inurnment will be in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Cadott.

Family and friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

The family thanks Heartland Hospice, especially Nurse Eddie, and the Chippewa Manor staff for their compassionate care.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

A Memorial Mass for Gladys M. Vavra was held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 22 at St. Bridget’s Church in the town of Seymour.

Rev. David Nowicki was celebrant of the Memorial Mass and officiated at the prayers of inurnment in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in the town of Sigel.

Music during the Mass was provided by Judy Brist and Jerry Brost. .

Urn bearers were nine granddaughters: Renee, Kelly, Jill, Ryanne, Diana, Meghan, Dena, Laura, and Jamie.