Gordon "Gordy" C. Vavra, 84, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully Friday, April 4, 2008 at Homestead Hospice House. He was born April 26, 1923 in Steele County the son of Rudy and Elsie (Slezak) Vavra. He lived on a farm near Bixby until he was ten years old at which time he moved to Owatonna with his parents to live with and care for his grandparents. As an only child, he was particularly fond of his grandfathers who taught him many things including woodworking. Gordy entered the U.S. Army in March of 1943 spending some of his enlisted time in the U.S. Air Corps. While stationed in Greenville, Mississippi he married Lilamae Pahl, his wife of 63 years, on August 28, 1944. He returned to the Army and the 106th Cavalry Unit which took him to Europe as a follow up Unit to Omaha Beach. Gordy was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery by General Mark Clark. Upon his return from active duty in Europe, Gordy returned to work at Owatonna Tool Company where he held many positions in his 44 year career. At the time of his retirement, he was in purchasing, which he loved very much. Gordy enjoyed being a member of the Rifle Club, model railroading, archery, carving, short wave radio fishing and golf. He had a workshop where he spent many hours both creating various things and repairing furniture. He was particularly proud of his three sons Tom, Jim and Dan. Gordy fed the birds and loved the outdoors and animals, especially dogs and cats. He was a member of the Owatonna Country Club for many years and was also a member of the Elk's, Radio Club, and Trinity Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, Lilamae; sons, Tom (and Jane) Vavra of North Mankato, Jim Vavra of Owatonna, Dan Vavra of Pheonix, AZ; grandchildren, Corin (and Jenna) Vavra, Katie Vavra, Allie Vavra and Jeremy Borgstahl; great granddaughter, Carley and half sister, Pam. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday from 4-7 PM and at Trinity Lutheran Church on Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 AM. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 8 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery with honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Visitation: 04/07/2008 16:00 04/07/2008 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 04/08/2008 10:30