Wayne Varvil

Wayne was born on May 11, 1937 in Iron Mountain, Michigan, to the late Floyd and Loraine E. (Grimord) Varvil and was a lifelong U.P. resident. He was 1956 graduate of Bishop Baraga High School.

After graduation Wayne was formerly employed by Bunny Bread in Marquette and later worked as a heavy equipment operator at the Empire Mine for 23 years, retiring in 1993.

In his free time, Wayne enjoyed camping, fishing, deer hunting, and traveling to Arizona with his 5th-Wheel. He enjoyed flying to Alaska on multiple occasions to visit family. More than anything else, Wayne enjoyed every moment spent with children and grandchildren. He was also known to have a sweet tooth when it came to chocolate. Wayne was a member of Knights of Columbus Council # 6447 and was a former member of Marquette Elks Lodge #405.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, the former Sharon Warren who he married on August 2, 1968 in Marquette; seven children, Scott (Joyce Pietri) Varvil of Kingman, AZ, Keith (Shannon) Jilbert of Canon City, CO, Brenda (John) Crozier of St. Paul, MN, Cheryl (Scott) Collamore of Hawaii, Toni (Chuck Johnson) Tepper-Johnson of Yuma, WA, Jeff (Aimee Coleman) Varvil of Wasilla, AK , and Jodi (Jared Slagle) Varvil of Gwinn, MI; also six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Wayne in death besides his parents was a sister, Delva Reavey.

The Varvil family will greet relatives and friends at St. Louis the King Catholic Church on Saturday, June 3rd beginning at 10 a.m., until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial in the church at 12 noon with the Rev. Thomas Merkel officiating and Deacon Scott Jamieson assisting. A luncheon will be served in the church hall immediately following the Mass.

Inurnment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Louis the King Catholic Church, 264 Silver Creek Road, Marquette, MI 49855 or to U.P. Home Health and Hospice, 1125 W. Ridge St., Marquette, MI 49855 in Wayne’s memory.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Varvil family, where memories of Wayne may be shared at canalefuneral.com.