Gladys Marie (Ryan) Vavra

Gladys Marie (Ryan) Vavra, 100, passed away peacefully, Aug. 9, 2025, at Chippewa Manor Nursing Home in Chippewa Falls, with family by her side.

Born June 16, 1925, “in the strawberry patch” on her family farm in Lafayette Township, Gladys 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.

Gladys married Frank R. Vavra, Oct. 18, 1941, at St. Bridget’s Church, in the Town of Seymour. Together, they raised 10 children.

She loved her family, gardening, baking, baseball and praying the Rosary. She filled her home with fresh bread, 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.

Gladys retired from Chippewa Manor Nursing Home and lived independently, until 97 years old.

She is survived by 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; daughter-inlaw – Joann Vavra, Holcombe; son-in-law – Bob Raether, Sussex; 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.; 42 great-grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.

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

Mass is at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 22, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. Inurnment is in the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in 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.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.horanfuneralhome. com. Horan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.