Irene Emily Vavra, 99, of Ely, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at Prairie Hills Retirement Village in Cedar Rapids.   Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW.  Celebration of Life services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church near Ely, with Reverend Dr. Julie Schuett presiding.  Burial will follow in First Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Irene was born June 26, 1922, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Leo and Bess (Barta) Rigel. She attended Center Elementary School and graduated from Shueyville High School in 1940. Over the years, she worked at Wilson's Packing Plant, the Waconia Sorgham Mill, and for College Community Schools in the kitchen. She was united in marriage to Charles F. Vavra after he returned home from serving in Europe during World War II. They were married on September 15, 1946, at the First Presbyterian Church near Ely where they were lifetime members and active in serving their church for as long as they were able. She and Charles farmed together, side by side, their entire lives while they treasured their lifelong love for each other and celebrated 72 years of marriage before he passed in 2019. Their happy marriage was a beautiful example of truly selfless love and respect, and inspirational to many.

Irene endlessly enjoyed gardening, sewing, watching the birds, cooking, baking, canning and spending time with her family and friends. "Have a seat at our house!" were the first words everyone heard when walking in the door before Irene made them feel at home, no matter how well she knew them. She loved music, and delighted in singing in the church choir, various vocal ensembles, playing the piano, and dancing. Often times Charles and Irene would push the kitchen table aside and dance to Leo Greco's Little Red Wagon Polka Show on the radio while getting ready for church on Sundays. They never missed the opportunity to attend or help serve at community dances, and thoroughly enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk every Saturday night.

Irene was an active member for over 50 years of the Ely Rebekah Lodge and American Legion St. Quentin Post 555 Ladies Auxiliary, a longtime member of the Johanna Society, and extremely proud of her Czech heritage. Irene never had idle hands and worked tirelessly serving her church, community, and family. She was truly one of "The Greatest Generation."

Irene is survived by her daughter Mary (Gary) Haster of Cedar Rapids; her son Chuck Vavra of Ely; grandchildren Mandy (Cal) Vaughn and Nathan Haster (Miranda Harris); great-grandchildren Audrey and Grant Vaughn; her sister Norma (Eugene) Rousseau of Bloomington, Indiana; as well as her beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles, her brother Marvin (Hermina) Rigel, and her sister Irma (Leo) Modracek.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church near Ely or the Ely Fire Department.

Irene's family wishes to thank staff at Higley Mansion and Prairie Hills for their loving care and kindness, especially Irene's favorite caregiver, Cookie.