Obituary: Kathleen Vavra

Kathleen J. (Jung) (Ray) Vavra, 67, of Egg Harbor, died at home with her family by her side, Tuesday, October 17, 2017.

She was born in July 1950 to the late Robert (Rube) and June (Diekmeier) Jung. In 1976 she married Michael E Ray. They moved to Waukesha where they raised their two children. Michael passed away in 1996. In 2000 she married Kerry Vavra in Chicago, and in 2007 they retired in Door County, Wisconsin.

Kathie taught piano lessons and tuned pianos for many years of her life. She was always actively involved in her community and most recently was the president of Master Gardeners, a member of the Door County Property Owners, and spearheaded the effort to save Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park. She was incredibly talented and enjoyed quilting, cross stitch, mosaic art, creating gorgeous dichroic glass jewelry, knitting, fishing, boating, gardening, playing piano, and baking. She also loved spending time with her Golden Retrievers.

Kathleen will be deeply missed by her husband Kerry J. Vavra; her son Robert E. Ray (fiancé Marina Hermle); her daughter Jessica J. Ray (husband Imran Javed); grandson Michael J. Ray; step-children, Jason Vavra, Erik (wife Amanda) Vavra, and Kimberly Vavra; as well as her golden retrievers Bubba, Penny, and Reggie. She is also survived by many other close friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband Michael.

Kathleen’s family will celebrate her life at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the John and Helen Collins Learning Center at Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay with Rev. Mike Zolnosky officiating. Friends may continue visiting with family following the service.

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserve at crossroadsatbigcreek.com/donate or PO Box 608, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

Special thanks to Unity Hospice, Green Bay Oncology, and Door County Ministry Hospital. Heartfelt thanks to our friends for helping in our time of need.