Earl Leo Varney

Earl Leo Varney, 93, passed away Feb. 2, 2019. He was born April 10, 1925 to Halbert “Bert” Varney and Edith (Rathbun) Varney in Jewell. He attended grade school at Bryant School #152. He attended Jewell High School and graduated in 1943. He was engaged in farming with his father and eventually took over the family farm.

He married Dorothy Fobes, Feb. 22, 1947. To this union, four children were born, Alan, Jim, Susan, and Annette. He raised his family on the “home” place, which is one mile west and a quarter mile south of Jewell. He was always proud of the fact that all four children were K-State graduates. He often said he owned part of K-State. After the death of his wife in 1984, he married Shirley Jacobs, Dec. 26, 1988.

He did a variety of things to supplement his farming. He did assessing of households for several years, worked at the Mankato Sale Barn, swathed and baled hay for people and was always willing to help people whenever possible. He loved trying to fix something that was broken or didn’t run even though he grumbled about it. It was a challenge to him. 

He is survived by: wife, Shirley Jacobs-Varney; son, Alan Varney (Linda) of Wheaton, Ill., and their children, Joel Varney, and Laura Beth Schisler (Jeremiah); son, Jim Varney (Ellen) of Seward Neb., and their children, Leah Johnston (Dale), and Brian Varney (Brie); daughter, Susan Silsby (Cliff) of Auburn, and their children, Jenny Silsby, Mike Silsby (Karla), Angie Brown (Tim), and Liz Stratman (Drew); daughter, Annette Laracuente (Ray) of Harrisburg, Pa., and their children, Carmen Chavez (Pradeep), and Raquel Chavez; stepson, Danny Jacobs of Towanda, and his children, Jeff Jacobs, Kelsey Coen (Jeremy), Kristen Riley (Josh), and Justin Jacobs (Dominque); stepdaughter, Kathy Wilson (Mark) of Jewell, and their children, Cooper Wilson, Dalton Wilson, and Josie Wilson; stepson, Bret Jacobs (Karen) of Hutchinson, and their children, Lauren Jacobs, and Dylan Jacobs; 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was proceeded in death by: first wife, Dorothy; his parents; brother, Aubrey; and sister, Mary Mergen (Don).

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell, with family receiving 6-8.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at United Methodist Church, Jewell, with burial in Jewell City Cemetery.

Memorials to: United Methodist Church of Jewell, or Jewell Cemetery, in care of Kleppinger Funeral Home.

Online condolences: nuttermortuaryconcordia.com.

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