Anthony “AJ” Wavra

Anthony “AJ” Wavra, 29, of Stephen, MN, died on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 4:20 PM, in University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital, Minneapolis, with his mother and two sisters at his side. AJ struggled with mental health and addiction, fighting hard with everything he had, but in the end he relapsed and lost his battle. He died of an accidental overdose, but his soul will remain in his creator’s hand forever. 

AJ was born on May 18, 1994, in Grand Forks, ND, to Patsy Kuznia and Tony Wavra. He grew up living in Grand Forks, Eagan, Burnsville, and Argyle. He graduated from Stephen Argyle Central in 2012. He moved with his family to Stephen, MN in 2013. 

What AJ lacked in material wealth, he had ten-fold in personality. Standing at 6'2 with a beard and dreadlocks, an imposing figure by appearance, AJ was truly a big teddy bear and tricked you with his warm personality. AJ loved his friends and family, and showed this with bear hugs, his words of affection, and by often joking, sometimes at the “wrong time” or using dark humor in an attempt to lighten difficult situations. He enjoyed gaming on his Xbox, listening to music, swimming, and spending time with his favorite (furry) family member, Toby Red. He was the kind of guy who would give anyone anything. His big heart made him such a support to those he loved. 

In the last month of his life, AJ acknowledged his bad decisions in the past and was on the cusp of turning his life around after an encounter with his Lord. He was loved by his family, loved by his friends, and loved by his God. He will be missed and loved every day by his mother, Patsy Kuznia; father, Tony Wavra; sisters, Allison and Ashley Wavra; the love of his life, Jessica King and her daughter (whom he enjoyed so much), Lilith; his grandmother, Agnes Kuznia; grandparents, Leonard and Lois; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

AJ was preceded in death by his grandpa, Ray Kuznia; and uncle, Patrick Kuznia. 

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial are Preferred.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 10:30 AM, in St. Stephen Catholic Church, Stephen, MN.
VISITATION: Wednesday, August 16, from 5-7:00 PM, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM; and one hour prior to Mass.
INTERMENT: St. Stephen Catholic Cemetery, Stephen.