Joseph P. Vavra

Joseph Vavra Dr. Joseph P. Vavra, 87, formerly of New Buffalo, passed away at 7:15am, Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Jordan's Nursing Home in Bridgman, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld-Smith Family Funeral Home of New Buffalo, MI.Dr. Vavra was born November 18, 1921 in Union Pier, MI, 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. Joseph then served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. 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, IL. There he and his loving wife raised their family of five children. Dr. Vavra was instrumental in 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 to Tunisia. These years in foreign countries proved very enriching, broadening, and rewarding for his family. After retirement, Joseph returned to his home area where he spent many happy years on his hobby farm near Three Oaks, MI.Dr. Vavra is survived by his wife Audrey; three daughters-Barbara (Hernan) Cardona of Las Vegas, NV, Susan Lubomirski of Scottsdale, AZ, and Elizabeth Vavra of Miami, FL; two sons-Joseph (Beverly) Vavra, III of Moose Lake, MN, and Steven (Anne) Vavra of Emerald Isle, NC; two step-sons-Jon and Thomas Elken both of Sawyer, MI; 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 will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 11:00am, at St. Mary of the Lake Church, New Buffalo, MI. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, 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