Edward J. Vavruska

Edward John Vavruska, lifelong Antigo resident, died Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Langlade Hospital. He was 101 years old. He was born March 17, 1912 in Antigo, son of the late Frank and Mary (Nemec) Vavruska. He married Bernice "Barney" Kalkofen on Oct. 26, 1957 in Dubuque, IA. She preceded him in death on Jan. 4, 2009. Mr. Vavruska was a 1932 graduate of Antigo High School, and graduated from UW-Platteville in 1937 with a BA in physical education. He was captain of his high school and college football teams. He was living in Hawaii at the time of the Pearl Harbor bombing. He then joined the US Navy, serving with the Seabees. He participated in the campaign at Iwo Jima. After completing his service, he worked for the Veterans Administration before returning to Antigo. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He was a successful businessman, owning and operating a Pabst distributorship for 30 years. Mr. Vavruska shared his success with the community, contributing greatly to the Antigo area. He and Bernice were major supporters of the Clara McKenna Aquatic Center, sponsoring the Vavruska Pool. He was an original sponsor of Antigo Little League, and he also was founder and longtime supporter of American Legion baseball. He also managed the Legion baseball team for 25 years. In addition to his lifetime love of local athletics, he enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, and spending time up at Lake Gogebic. He is survived by his stepson, Dennis (Joan) Cline; 2 step-grandchildren, Curtis (Jennifer Forbes-Cline) and Jennifer (Jason Thoma) Cline; a step-great grandson, Jared Thoma. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Vavruska, and 2 sisters, Tillie Goddard and Mamie Driscoll. A memorial service will take place at 5:00 p.m. Friday at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, with Fr. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will be 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Local veterans will perform military honors at the funeral home following the service. Inurnment will take place at Queen of Peace Mausoleum at a later date. Memorials in Ed's name may be directed to the Langlade County Humane Society in honor of his feline companion, Squeak.