Jane K. (Huelskamp) Vavra

It is with great sadness that after a long battle with colon cancer, Jane Kay Vavra, 59, passed away November 16, 2017, peacefully in her home surrounded by family.

A Memorial Service Celebrating Jane’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mankato.  Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato and will continue one hour before service at the church on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in Jane’s name to Mayo Clinic Health System—Hospice (Mankato Campus) and Kiwanis Holiday Lights.

Jane was born to William and Carol (Zins) Huelskamp August 12, 1958 in New Ulm, MN. She graduated from Gaylord High School in 1976. She married Tom Vavra on March 23, 1986 in Maui and soon to follow were their daughters Katie and Allie. She also became a proud grandparent in recent years.

Throughout her life Jane worked for the ISD 77, Carlson Craft/Navitor, and for the family business, JT Services. Jane lived life to the fullest and loved gardening, playing games and cards, and was a fierce competitor in everything she did. Jane loved being active, playing volleyball and tennis, exercising to workout tapes, hiking mountain trails in Phoenix, and long walks at home to name a few. Entertaining and socializing were her passion and vacations were always at the top of her list. Jane was responsible for creating the recognizable children’s character holiday decorations on Mary Circle that are now displayed in the Kiwanis Holiday Lights at Sibley Park.

Jane is survived by her husband, Tom; two daughters, Katie (Scott) Nessler of North Mankato and Allie Vavra of Scottsdale, AZ; step-son, Corin (Jenna) Vavra of Sauk Rapids; grandchildren, Mason, Carley, and Audrey; parents, William and Carol Huelskamp of New Ulm; siblings, Cheryl (Skip) Duggan of Berlin, MA, Mark Huelskamp of Missoula, MT, Laurie (Dave) Allison of Dallas, TX, Lisa (Dave) Hallforth of Naples, FL, Kevin (Shannon) Huelskamp of Lewiston; mother-in-law, Liz Vavra of Owatonna; brothers-in-law, Dan Vavra of Phoenix, AZ and Jim Vavra of Owatonna; nieces and nephews, Jessie (Ryan) Donahue, Josie, Gabe, Will, Max, and Tessa Huelskamp, and Jeremy Borgstahl and fiancé, Katie Kubista; aunts, uncles, and extended family.

Jane was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Gordon Vavra and maternal grandparents, Martin and Viola Zins; paternal grandparents, Raymond and Willabalda Huelskamp.

The family wishes to thank you for all of your love and support.