It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael John Varner, who peacefully passed away on December 25, 2024, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado with his loving family at his side. Born on November 27, 1945, in Keokuk, Iowa, Mike lived a full and meaningful life, leaving a legacy of love, friendship and cherished memories.
Mike was a devoted family man who found his greatest joy in spending time with his beloved wife of 59 years Delores (Lee) Varner and his four sons, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren as well as a large extended family. He spent much of his free time coaching youth baseball, as he was an avid fan and loved being on the field with his teams. He also watched the St. Louis Cardinals every night with Delores. He brought passion and mentorship to every team he coached, as he enjoyed working with young people and teaching them life lessons through baseball. Mike grew up in Illinois and was proud of his midwestern roots and family in Illinois and Iowa. He lived in Illinois for most of his youth and young adult life before moving to Aurora, CO in October 1977 where he integrated himself into the Aurora and Denver communities through his volunteering at Queen of Peace Church (where he and Delores were parishioners for over 35 years) and youth sports.
Mike and Delores' move to Colorado was brought about by his career in the trucking industry where his hard work, talent and dedication carried him through the ranks, eventually becoming the Vice President of the Traffic department at Duggan Trucking.
Mike and Delores are most recently a member of St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church and have been over 10 years. His faith was evident in his treatment of people, no matter their station in life. He was deeply committed to serving his community, helping feed the homeless through organizations such as St. Vincent DePaul, Head Start, and the Denver Rescue Mission. Additionally, Mike was a longtime member of Aurora Baseball Incorporated where he contributed as both a coach and board member, positively impacting the Aurora Baseball Community.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Delores, and his sons: Mickey Varner (Jennifer Harrington), Dudley Varner (Stephanie Varner), Rob Varner (Donna Varner) and Danny Varner. grandchildren Andee Newman (Brendan Newman), Maddison Varner-Hendricks, Peyton Michaelsen, Zachary Varner, Abby Varner, Jessyka Grier, Jeramie Platt and by great-grandchildren Tennyson Newman, Noah Newman, Claire Grier and Theodore Grier. He is also survived by his older sister, Judy O'Donnell, as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Rex Michael Varner and Grace Varner, three older siblings: Tom Varner, Kay Forret, and Jane South, nephew Chip Forret, and goddaughter Kristin Lee.
Mike’s kindness, love of family, and unwavering work ethic will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He was cherished by the Varner family and the Lee Family, whom Mike married into. Delores’s siblings became Mike's siblings and Mike remained close to them through the years.
Mike Varner treated everyone with dignity, compassion and kindness. In lieu of flowers or donations Delores and their family ask to please remember Mike's example when you encounter those that are less fortunate.
A funeral mass will be held on January 16th, 2025, at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church at 1:30 PM, with a reception to follow at St. Ignatius.