October 5, 2020 at 10:53 a.m.
Raymond Robert Varner, Sr.
Raymond Robert Varner, Sr.
As a young man, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served the United States during World War II on the U.S.S. Massachusetts as a gunner mate from May 1944 - June 1946.
Soon after returning home from the war, he built a small house, married Ruth Webb and began their family with the birth of two children (Raymond Jr. and Diana). Ray was always a creative, hard working entrepreneur. One of his first jobs after the war was driving for Mayflower Van Lines, hauling household goods across the country. In the mid '50s, he moved his family to the Quad Cities where he was a car salesman.
Later he opened a welding business in Moline, Ill., taking contract work for John Deere. All the while, he utilized his creative carpenter skills to build and remodel homes. His artistic talents were evident in mural paintings, furniture building and sculpture. He was truly a man of many talents and "endless energy".
Ray is survived by his daughter, Diana Wolfson (Robert) of Naperville, Ill.; his grandsons, Jonathan Wolfson (Kendall) of Midlothian, Va. and Benjamin Wolfson (fiancé Brianna) of Chicago; four great-grandchildren: Jonathan Jr., Hartwell, Waverly, and Magnolia Wolfson; his brother, James M. Varner (Merle) of Brooksville, Fla.; his niece, Judy Prevost (Louis) of Spring Hill, Fla.; Mary Jorgensen (Brad) of Greenville, who was like a daughter to Ray; and Joan Schlieve of Rhinelander who was his long-time companion and caregiver. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Julius W. and Elsie D. Varner; his sisters Winona Henig (A.J.) and Dorothy E. Hershman (Ramon); his brother Willard D. Varner (Janet); his first wife, Ruth Webb Becker (Gale) and his son Raymond Robert Varner, Jr. (U.S. Marine Corps - Vietnam).
Well known for his friendly quick wit, engaging sense of humor and interesting conversations, Ray will be missed by all his friends and family. Visitation will be Oct. 10 from 3 to 4 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Service, 134 North Stevens St., Rhinelander, WI.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the funeral service will be a private family service. Pastor Mike Adams of Lakeland Living Water Church will preside over the funeral service.
Ray will be laid to rest at the Rock Island National Cemetery where his son, Raymond Varner, Jr., is buried.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Lakeland Living Water Church at 8845 W. Lundy Ln., Woodruff, WI 54568.
You may leave your private condolences for the Varner family at www.carlsonfh.com.
The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the family.
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