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Dennis Wavra Obituary
Cremation has taken place under the direction of O'Connor Funeral Home, and a private memorial service will be held.
He will be greatly missed by his love of 47 years, Victoria Lynne Wavra; his five children, who will forever miss his wisdom and unconditional love - his only son and fishing partner, Matthew T. Wavra of Great Falls; daughters Kori L. (Wavra) Hillyard of Sun River, Michele M. (Wavra) Benson of Missoula and Suzanne R. (Wavra) Roberts of Great Falls and Victoria L. (Wavra) Tuttle of Great Falls; sisters Doris Ferry of Kennewick, Wash., Margaret Corcoran of East Grand Forks, Minn., and Jean Desuatels of Crookston, Minn.; and brothers Bernie Wavra of Lyle, Ill., Leonard Wavra of Fayetteville, Ark., and John Wavra of Omaha, Neb.; He was also the proud grandpa of 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Dennis R. Wavra was born Aug. 16, 1940, in Warren, Minn., one of nine children born to John and Anna Wavra. He grew up in Grand Forks, N.D., where he graduated from St. James High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Victoria Lynne Rood, in Grand Forks in 1959.
In 1972, they moved to Great Falls, where he worked and later owned Judge Moving & Storage. He retired in 2003 after many years of hard work.
Our beloved husband and father is finally at peace after a courageous battle with cancer. He is now in heaven, doing what he loved to do, fishing and playing cards.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Raymond and Vernon Wavra.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name are suggested to Peace Hospice, 2600 15th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405. Condolences may be sent online to greatfallstribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Wavra
Kim (Grinde) Greendahl
October 28, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. It seems like just yesterday you lived beside us in the duplex on 7th Avenue North. My thoughts are with you.
David and Crystal (Kropp) Garvin
October 27, 2006
To the whole family,
Our deepest sympathy during this time of grief and mourning. We are so sorry for your loss and pray that God will comfort you with His peace and grace.
Pam (Remsen) Schelfhout
October 26, 2006
Dear Vicki and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and I have many fond memories of Mr. Wavra as I grew up with Vicki. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and if there is ANYTHING I can do, please feel free to call me. Heaven is a great place, however, he better watch out for Wally and Brenda:). Thinking of all you during this difficult time.
TAke care, Love, Pam
Rosie and Jim Pechta
October 25, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rick Pechta
October 25, 2006
Vickie and all family members,
I offer my heart felt condolences and best wishes.
Fair seas and trailing winds for all of you.
John Wavra
October 24, 2006
This message was sent to my friends on the morning of Denny's passing. As I read over it again I thought it was fitting to place it here as an additional tribute to Denny. Brother John Wavra
Friends,
Just a short note to let you all know that my brother Dennis, passed away this morning at 4:30. He was 66 years old and had been retired for only three years. After over 40 years of very hard work, he deserved more time, but as you know, none of us has any control over that. He was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly before Memorial Day this year and it did not take long for it to take its toll. He fought bravely these last months as he faced the reality of the disease and put his life in order so that it might be somewhat easier for Vickie when he lost his final fight.
He was a fine man who dearly loved his wife, Vickie, for over 47 years and who together raised four terrific daughters and one great son. Together with Vickie, all of his children took care of him in his home these last few weeks and were with him at the time of his death. He is survived by many grandchildren.
You could not ask for a better brother. As many of you might recall my telling of the story about the rat/roach poison solution in Quan Loi, it was Denny who took the trouble to obtain and mail me the prescription (rat poison) for our bunker problem so many years ago in Vietnam. We laughed about it many times over the years. Although he had a busy life back home, working and raising a large family, he often took the time to write to me while I was there and his letters were always uplifting. He was a life-long friend and I will not be able to fill the void in my life his passing leaves.
But I celebrate his life and his accomplishments. These last few months I learned from him what the important things in life are - it isn't the accumulation of wealth or material goods or public recognition or adulation of things he had done. Instead, it was the love of his family and friends and the knowledge that he had lived a life of integrity, honesty and diligence in all he had done.
I believe there is a lesson to be learned in all the events that happen in our lives, whether they be happy or sad. To each of you, my old friends, I remind you that each of us has our own date with death. Our time here is not limitless, so I say to myself as well as you - love your family, eat well and drink the best, but in moderation. If you love your job, keep doing it but if not find another or start planning a way to retire as early as you are able. Lastly, take time to smell the proverbial roses.
My very best regards,
Jack Giesler
October 24, 2006
I'm so sorry to read of Dennis' passing. I have known him for many years through business and personally. I will remember him as a hard working and honest person. My sympathies go to his loving family.
JOHANN DOHMANN
October 24, 2006
I KNEW DENNIS FROM ST JAMES HIGH,HE
WAS A MILD MANNERED STUDENT AND WE HAD GREAT TIMES IN HISTORY CLASS
I OFTEN THINK BACK TO THE DAYS OF MY YOUTH AND MY FELLOW STUDENTS,I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING.
JOHANN DOHMANN
Jessica Gray
October 23, 2006
April and family,
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. My thoughts are prayers are with you.
Renae Schulte
October 23, 2006
My prayers have been with you all through this tough season in your lives. I'm so sorry for your loss. I will continue to be praying for you. He was a great man! Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Love and Prayers, Renae
George&Cecelia Kovar
October 23, 2006
Our sympathies to Vickie & children.May you have comfort from the One above.love to all
Dave Austin
October 23, 2006
Denny Wavra Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Denny was truly a good man.
I knew him as an uncle and as a boss. Denny was the foreman at Kedney Moving and Storage when I worked there right out of high school. He was a hard worker and an easy boss to work for. I always enjoyed the times when Denny, Leonard, Bernie and Johnnie were together. Those guys could argue about anything! It was always good natured with a lot of laughter. It's a sad time for all of us, but you can be assured that he is going to be keeping track and watching over all of you.
Jody Gonzalez
October 22, 2006
Dear Aunt Vickie and family
Love and peace to you all. I had a dream that I went to visit Jeannine while we were talking I turned my head Uncle Denny was standing in the opening of this beautiful place a mam about his age was standing next to him. Jeannine told me that uncle Denny was not ready. I had that dream last Sunday.He is in that beautiful place now and I know Jeannine was there to welcome him.
Love Jody
Bob & Peggy Wavra
October 21, 2006
Please accept our condolences. I know you and all of us already miss Denny. I still clearly remember when I was a young boy and our family would travel to visit at Grandma's house during the summer. I remember how much fun it was just to listen to Denny and his brothers, sisters and their spouses talking, joking and just having a great time. Although I haven't been as close to the family as I would have liked, I always had alot of respect for Denny and I know he will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our prayers go out to you.
Tom Wavra
October 20, 2006
Even though we have been separated by so many miles and so many years, we are all with you now. Some of my fondest memories are of all of us getting together as little kids over the holidays. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 35 years. When I think back to those days, I can remember playing kickball in Grandma’s back yard and seeing our parents and their friends together and always laughing and enjoying each other’s company. That’s just one of so many.
Your Dad was a great Father, Husband, Brother and friend. I know he will be missed by everyone. I wish I could find the right words to say to all of you. I know your hearts are broken. I hope that as time passes and your feelings of sorrow and loss slowly fade, you will find great comfort and happiness in remembering all the wonderful time you spent together. It’s the small things and the moments that when you look back now may add to the emptiness you feel. Those very same thoughts will soon bring joy as you remember him and continue on with your own lives.
You are all blessed to have each other and I know that will help you at those times when you need it most.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers,
Tom
Theresa (Nash) & Dave McCune
October 20, 2006
Kori, Suzanne, Michelle & families,
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You'll always be able to hold dear those wonderful past memories you've shared. Take care and God Bless.
John Wavra
October 20, 2006
Please visit this link to view a Celebration of Denny's Life in photos. He was great brother and I will miss him dearly.
http://s88002859.onlinehome.us/DennisWavra/StartPage.htm
To visit this link - Copy and paste this link address into your browser address window or type it as one line.
Note: There should be no spaces between any of the letters etc.
Connie Listoe
October 20, 2006
Kori, Shelly, Suzie, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It is painful to lose your father. Your wonderful memories and family will help you through. You are close in my thoughts and prayers. Love from Connie Listoe, Wayne, Sammy and Hannah
Jennifer Sicker (Bright)
October 20, 2006
Michele,
I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Carla Kropp
October 20, 2006
There is no way you can sum up a friendship of more than 30 years in just a few short words. My memories of Dennie are so many and varied that it is hard to choose a few but I will try. I remember the first time I met him at a social gathering, a neighborhood party, I couldn't quit looking at him. Finally I blurted out to Vickie, gracious soul that I am, do you know your husband looks like Joe Namath? Not sure what he thought (or Vickie) but that night was the beginning of one of the greatest gifts we have ever been given, friendship with the Wavra family. I remember, camping trips (lots of fun with very vain teen-age girls :-) not mine), dances at the Elks and St. Luke's social and spiritual gatherings, playing cards, eating out (my favorite)and just hanging out together. Over the years many things changed but the love our two families shared has never wavered or been lost. As I watched Mike walk out the door yesterday morning, tears running down his face, I wondered how we would all face our tomorrows without Dennie's wisdom, logic and strength. Then I remembered that he showed us how: you accept what this life gives you, grieve for a season and then get on with living life to best of your ability. Thanks Dennie, I will miss you and treasure every memory I am privileged to have.
Vickie, Matt, Kori, Shelly, Suzie and Vicki, I love you and am keeping you close in my prayers and heart. I will always be here for each one of you. cmk
Tavi Brewster
October 20, 2006
Vicky,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was blessed to have such a supportive and loving family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cheri Burrows
October 20, 2006
Matt, April, Sam, Riley
Sorry about the loss of your father/grandfather. I will be thinking of you.
Bless you all
Love
Cheri Wright Burrows
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