Eugene Ray Vavruska

Eugene Vavruska, passed away at the Sioux Falls VA Hospital on October 4, 2024, just one day shy of his 94th birthday. Visitation will be held 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a time of sharing, Wednesday, October 9 at Goglin Funeral Home in Tyndall. His funeral will begin 10:30 a.m. at Tyndall Presbyterian Church, with Lorney Van Gerpen officiating. Interment will be in the Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Tabor.

Eugene Ray Vavruska was born on his family farm on October 5, 1930. He attended country school through eighth grade and left school to help his dad farm as his brother Ernie, went to serve in World War II. Gene was drafted into the Marine Corps in February 1952 at age 21. He received his basic training at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California. Gene was shipped to Korea to serve as a rifleman in H Company, First Marine Division and was assigned front line duty. His platoon was overrun by the Chinese on October 7, 1952 where he was wounded and taken prisoner. His parents received a telegram reporting that he was captured and “missing in action.” He endured horrendous treatment. His wounds were not treated, they were marched for hours at a time, and received very little food and shelter. He was held captive for almost a year and was released in September 1953. He was proud to be a Marine and was very humble about his service to his Country. He was awarded several medals for his service including the Purple Heart with Gold Star, POW Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Republic of Korea-Ambassador for Peace Medal, to name a few.

He returned to Tyndall in the fall of 1953 to a hero’s welcome that included a huge gathering on Main Street in Tyndall and a parade. He finished his military service in the States and returned to the family farm near Tyndall. He met his true love Shirley Simantel at the Scotland Café, and they were married May 20, 1955. Shirley and Gene celebrated 67 wedding anniversaries together. They farmed for many years near Tyndall and were blessed with two children, Barb and Mark. In 1984 they moved to Tyndall where Gene worked for the county highway department for many years before retiring. Gene took great pride in keeping the Bon Homme roads clear of snow in the winter and properly graded in the summer. He served as an Elder of the Tyndall Presbyterian Church and was active in the VFW and Pike-Wagner American Legion Post #2 where he was honored as a 70-year member.

He lived his entire life around Tyndall and took great pride in helping his country and community and continuing the Czech heritage. Gene helped Shirley with the garden and kept their farm and their home and yard in Tyndall in beautiful shape. He enjoyed woodworking that included making bookcases, shelves, and his famous baseball cap racks which many of you received. He enjoyed it when Mark came home to visit over the holidays and in the summer. He also enjoyed traveling to see Mark’s various locations as he progressed in his career. He was very happy to meet and bond with Sharon, a fellow Marine. Gene and Shirley spent many of their weekends and holidays watching their grandchildren grow up in Brandon. Gene also loved to help Barb and Gary with projects around the house which they greatly appreciated. He became known as Grandpa Gene to many of his grandchildren’s friends and families in the Brandon area. He enjoyed his grandchildren’s activities and following the Minnesota Twins. After losing Shirley in September 2022, he moved to Stoney Brook Suites Assisted Living in Sioux Falls to be closer to family. He will be missed by his family, friends and the Tyndall community. 

His survivors include children, Barb (Gary) Fish of Brandon and Mark (special friend, Sharon Barnett) of Tupelo, MS; two grandchildren, Taylor (Maria) Fish of Victoria, MN and Bailey (Spencer) Moore of Sioux Falls; four great-grandchildren, Sullivan, Callum, and Elsie Fish and Otis Moore; sister, Margie Sternhagen of Dante; nephews, Gary and Doug Sternhagen and Ernie, Ed, Dave, and Steven Vavruska. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; brother, Ernie and sister-in-law Helen Vavruska; brother-in-law, Ed Sternhagen; nephew, Dennis Sternhagen, and parents, Adolph and Anna Vavruska.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bohemian Presbyterian Cemetery.

This is a celebration of a life well lived! We can all hope to be so fortunate. Thanks for your support and prayers. He was our gentle hero. 

Barb, Mark and family.