Kenneth C. Wavra, age 76, of Crookston, MN, died unexpectedly early Monday morning, August 30, 2010, at the RiverView Hospital in Crookston. Kenny was born in Warren, MN on February 26, 1934, to Cyril and Bertha (Goosen) Wavra. He grew up on the family farm near Dorothy, MN, was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith, and attended school in Dorothy. Kenny entered the U.S. Army on September 23, 1954 and was stationed in Germany for fourteen months. He received his honorable discharge on September 6, 1956 and returned home. Kenny was united in marriage to Helen J. Casavan on August 24, 1957. The couple made their home in Red Lake Falls for a year before moving to Crookston. Together they raised eight children- Debbie, Mark, Tim, Vicki, Brenda, Denise, Barry, and Tammy. Very sadly, Brenda Joy, who had moved to Ojai, CA, died in a traffic accident near Ventura, CA, on February 1, 1988. Kenny first worked in sales for the Ebert Coffee Company, then as a driver for Wang Trucking. In 1962 he became employed as a driver and route salesman for the American Linen Supply Company. At this time he also purchased farmland in Louisville Township of Red Lake County, where he grew small grains. Managing two careers at the same time kept Kenny very busy for over 35 years until he retired from both in 1997. In semi-retirement he worked for MinnDak Asphalt and Crookston Valley Co-op for a few years. He was a long time member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Crookston Eagles Aerie #873. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Ken loved spending time with his children and their families, and nothing compared to Grandpa Kenny's hugs. They were the best! Many precious memories were built around going camping, taking fishing trips to Lake of the Woods, and playing cards with family and friends. He looked forward to days spent at his farm, where he enjoyed hunting, and the special times he and Helen would share as they tended their garden. Kenny will be very lovingly missed by all who were a part of his life.
Family members include his wife of 53 years, Helen; seven children, Debbie (Mark) Engebretson of Crookston, MN, Mark Wavra & Ali Hohmann of Grand Forks, ND, Tim (Laurie) Wavra of Crookston, Vicki (Chuck) Henre of Crookston, Denise (Tim) Eggebraaten of Detroit Lakes, MN, Barry (Niki) Wavra of Duluth, MN, and Tammy (Dave) Wild of Fargo, ND; twenty-four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Kenny also leaves two sisters, Lois Proulx of Crookston, and Kathie (Jack) Peterson of Erskine, MN; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Ray (Gloria) Delorme of Red Lake Falls, MN, Jessie (Diane) Casavan of Red Lake Falls, Larry (Carol) Fontaine of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Larry Casavan of Plummer, MN, Ed Casavan of Red Lake Falls, and John (Janet) Casavan of Roseau, MN; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. In addition to his daughter, Brenda Joy; he was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Bertha; his father-in-law, Jesse Casavan Sr.; brother-in-law, Paul Proulx; sister-in-law, Marlene Casavan; and infant sister, Maryagnes. May God bless Kenny’s memory.
The funeral service for Kenneth Wavra will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, September 2, 2010, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, with The Very Rev. Bob Schreiner, officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5-7:00 pm, with a 7:00 pm prayer service, and also at the Cathedral for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in St. Dorothy’s Cemetery, rural Red Lake Falls at 1:00 pm, Thursday, with Military Honors provided by the Minnesota National Guard Honors Unit.
