Thomas Vavra

1945 - 2021

THOMAS GENE VAVRA Ely Thomas Gene Vavra, 76, of Ely, Iowa, died peacefully on Oct. 12, 2021, in the presence of family. In remembrance of Tom's legacy of service to God, country, family and community, several events are planned. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at First Presbyterian Church, near Ely, Iowa. Inurnment with Air Force Military honors will occur at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the church cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at 1 p.m. at the St. Quentin Post of the American Legion Hall, Ely, Iowa. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements. The son of Agnes and Arnold Vavra, Tom was born on Feb. 1, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He graduated in 1963 from Prairie High School and in 1967 from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant with the United States Air Force. With the USAF, Tom served as a Computer Systems and Data Automation Officer for 20 years, including a one year tour in Thailand. During his Air Force career, Tom received a Master's Degree from Georgia Tech University. He retired from active duty in 1987 and settled near Ely, Iowa, where he devoted much of his time caring for his mother, as well as numerous aunts and uncles. Tom was at the center of leadership at the St. Quentin Post of the American Legion in Ely, Iowa, which included 30-plus years serving as the Finance Officer. He was dedicated to decorating the graves of veterans in various local cemeteries, annually on Memorial Day. The Legion recently stated, "It can be said Thomas was the heart and soul of the St. Quentin post." His community work continued by serving as a trustee for Putnam Township as a respected member of the community. Trustees are responsible for allocating tax money for the township cemeteries, the fire department, among other community organizations. As such he was very supportive of the Ely Volunteer Fire Department's needs and activities. Tom was a corporate and financial officer of his church, First Presbyterian Church, near Ely, Iowa, for decades. His passion for higher education inspired others through his work with student scholarships, particularly the Motycka and Carson Scholarships. Tom sang Bass in the choir for many years and was always on hand to assist with kolache baking for their annual soup supper and other events. Tom was a dedicated and active amateur radio operator, operating under the call-sign WB8ZRL. His main interest was DXing, contacting foreign amateurs all over the world, achieving the highest level working all 340 DXCC entities. Tom was very active in the Eastern Iowa DX Association, where he held a number of offices and served on several committees. He was a Life Member of the ARRL (American Radio Relay League), the national organization promoting and supporting the many facets of amateur radio. Tom built and supported the local area DX Packet Cluster allowing the interchange of DX information throughout the country or more. Tom enjoyed helping operators, both new and experienced. Tom is survived by his brother, Bill (Marian); sister-in-law, Betty; nephews, Matt (Sarah) and Nick (Amanda); nieces, Andrea (Mak) and Christy (Brian); along with grandnephews and a grandniece. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Arnold; and his brother, Bob. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in support of the Ely American Legion, the Ely Volunteer Fire Department or The First Presbyterian Church, all in Ely, Iowa. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.