Joseph P VAVRA

18 NOV 1921 - 3 OCT 2009

• BIRTH: 18 NOV 1921, Union Pier, Berrien County, MI
• DEATH: 3 OCT 2009, Bridgman, Berrien County, MI

INDEX

[N24044] Dr Joseph P. Vavra

Birth 18 Nov 1921
Union Pier, Berrien County, MI

Death 3 Oct 2009 (aged 87)
Bridgman, Berrien County, MI

Burial
Pine Grove Cemetery
New Buffalo, Berrien County, MI
Memorial ID 42779323

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Dr. Joseph P. Vavra
Nov. 18, 1921-Oct. 3, 2009

BRIDGMAN - Dr. Joseph P. Vavra, 87, formerly of New Buffalo, passed away at 7:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at Jordan 's Nursing Home in Bridgman. Dr. Vavra was born Nov. 18, 1921, in Union Pier, the son of Joseph and Bessie Vavra. After graduation from New Buffalo High School in 1939, Joseph went on to earn his B.S. in Soil Science at Michigan State University. He then served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. While stationed in Germany, he met his future wife, Annemarie Wolfram. They were married at St. Mary's Church in New Buffalo on Joseph's return from the service. Joseph continued with his education and in 1952 received his doctorate degree from Purdue University in Soil Chemistry and in Plant Physiology. Dr. Vavra became a professor at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., where here he and his loving wife raised their family of five children. Dr. Vavra was instrumental in the development and implementation of undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, and area service programs. He was later involved in international programs through university, World Bank, and USAID. These programs brought Joseph and his family to Brazil, Spain, Morocco and Tunisia. The family's years in foreign countries proved very enriching, broadening, and rewarding. After retirement, Joseph returned to his home area where he spent many happy years on his hobby farm near Three Oaks.
Dr. Vavra is survived by his wife, Audrey; three daughters, Barbara (Hernan) Cardona of Las Vegas, Nev., Susan Lubomirski of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Elizabeth Vavra of Miami, Fla.; two sons, Joseph (Beverly) Vavra III of Moose Lake, Minn., and Steven (Anne) Vavra of Emerald Isle, N.C.; two step-sons, Jon and Thomas Elken, both of Sawyer,; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bessie; his first wife, Annemarie; and a brother, Richard. Dr. Vavra affected many lives through his professional work. His family share their joy in having known such a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and share their sorrow - because our time spent together is never long enough. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at St. Mary of the Lake Church, New Buffalo. Burial followed at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld-Smith Family Funeral Home of New Buffalo. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice. Friends wishing to sign the family guestbook, or to leave a message of condolence, may do so at www.sommerfeld-smith.com.