Edwin Vavra, 97 died Friday, October 13, 2006, at Higley Mansion Care Center from natural causes.  Services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2006, at First Presbyterian Church, near Ely.  Burial will follow in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids.

Ed was born July 10, 1909 in Linn County, the son of Joseph and Beatrice Filipi Vavra.  He married Olga Biderman on August 5, 1933, in Ely.

Ed graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and attended Coe College where he played in the marching band for Herbert Hoover's inauguration.  In 1930, Ed purchased the Ely Lumber Yard where he worked faithfully for 70 years; except for the two years he served overseas in WWII.  Ed never officially retired.

Ed was a member of various organizations including the Harmony Hawks, American Legion St. Quentin Post #555, the Ely I.O.O.F. Lodge 581, and was a 37 year member of the Ely Volunteer Fire Department.  He was a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church, near Ely.

Ed is survived by his son Joe (Joyce) Vavra of Ely; grandchildren Amy Vavra and Edwin (Theresa) Vavra; great grandchildren Gabrielle Armstrong, and Josef and Jakob Vavra; brother Chuck (Irene) Vavra; brother-in-law Adolph "Mike" Biderman and sisters-in-law Agnes Vavra and Lenore Biderman.  Edwin was preceded in death by his parents; wife Olga on November 22, 2002; three brothers Frank, Lumir, Arnold and a twin sister.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.