Dorothy Vavra

DOROTHY ANN VAVRA, age 87 of Le Center, passed away on the evening of Saturday, July 18, 2026 at her home, Horizon Place, in Le Center.

Dorothy was born at her family’s home in Hinckley on March 17, 1939, to parents John Sr. and Dorothy (Schnetter) Fix during a terrible winter blizzard. She was baptized on March 29, 1939 and later took First Holy Communion on June 23, 1946. She graduated with the Hinckley-Finlayson Falcons class of 1957. On September 12, 1959, Dorothy was united in marriage to Milo John Vavra at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hinckley and started their family in St Paul MN, later moving to Le Center.

As a young woman she worked picking raspberries in Hopkins and over the years worked at First National Bank in Bloomington, Lake Bank in Minneapolis, Ben Franklin in Highland Park, Fuller Brush Sales, Farmer’s Seed and Nursery, Green Giant, and finally at Chart until her retirement in 1994. Throughout her lifetime Dorothy was an active member of the Catholic church, St. Mary’s CCW, and volunteering at St. Mary’s Thrift Store. She also enjoyed her involvement with the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries. Dorothy was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a fantastic hostess, a competitive card player, and friend to all. She continues to be greatly loved and will be sorely missed.

Dorothy is survived by eight children, Teresa (Ken Flaminio) Minni of St. Paul, James of Milaca, Brenda (Mike) Pittman of Faribault, Cynthia (Tom) Widmer of Le Center, Thomas (Jessie) of Le Center, Annette (Shawn) Yoraway of Orono, Peter (Lesley) of Le Center, and Rose (Dan) Gulbranson of Chaska; grandchildren, Leigh, Kyle, Crystal, Kayla, Stephanie, Trisha, Matthew, Jenna, Jon, Tim, Tricia, Todd, Anna, Jo, Brandi, Austin, Jack, Claire, Megan, Samantha, Charlotte, Lilly, Logan, Adam, and Oakley; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband; a son-in-law, Don Minni; a great-granddaughter, Aurora Love; all nine of her siblings and their spouses; all of her in-laws and their spouses; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dorothy’s family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Horizon Place in Le Center and St. Croix Hospice. The love and care that were offered to Dorothy will always be remembered.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at the Le Center Chapel of Schoenbauer Funeral Home, with a closing rosary service at 7:00pm. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the Mass on Friday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Le Center with Father Michael Barsness officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Center.