Scholastica and then owned and operated the Plaid Panda children’s clothing store with her dear friend Midge Kumsha. She worked as an assistant librarian for several years at the College of St. She showed that you could raise a family, build a house, and work a full-time job all at the same time your spouse was deployed or TDY. Karen was an inspiration to all women, especially military spouses.
In 1977 they built their dream home in the Kenwood community of Duluth, MN and raised their two children there, Stephanie and Mark who she was so very proud of. She married the love of her life Dale Vavra in 1963 and they began their life story together moving to Valdosta, GA where Dale finished pilot training in the United States Air Force. She graduated from Central High School in 1962.
She was born on Main Cloquet, MN to Sakri and Aili Hill. Karen Ailien Hill Vavra, 78, of Duluth, MN passed away peacefully on September 28th, 2022 with her family by her side.