Thomas’ Obituary Thomas William “Bill” Varney Frankenmuth, MI Went home with his Lord on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at his home with family at his side; age 85 years. Bill was born on April 16, 1933 in Bloomfield Township, MI to the late Clifford and Anna Varney. He was previously married to Susan Bryson until she passed in 2005.
He later married Janice Gerard on February 16, 2007; she survives him. Bill graduated from Alma College. He taught the first graduating class at Frankenmuth High School.
He was employed by GM-EDS / Hewlett Packard for 37 ½ years until his retirement in 1993. Bill lived in Frankenmuth for 53 years and was very involved in many activities. He was a member of Frankenmuth United Methodist Church for 52 years.
He was active in the Lions for 48 years earning the Melvin Jones Award and he took in almost 50 members under him. He served on the Civic Events council, City Beautification committee for 24 years, City Planning committee for 26 years, was a crossing guard for 21 years, volunteered for a Volkslaufe Aids Station for 40 years, and was a Gideon for 24 years. Bill received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Frankenmuth Rotary and the Herbert L. Keinath Award from the Frankenmuth Jaycees.
Surviving besides his wife Janice are: 3 daughters Cynthia Ann (Steve) May, Jennifer Lynn (Glen) Thompson, Linda Sue (Brent) Velandra; step-sons Gar (LeAnn) Gerard, Kirk Gerard, Eric Gerard; grandchildren Daniel May, Emily May, Brian May, Matthew Thompson, Kyle Hauck, Blake Velandra, Aleah Velandra, Allie Velandra; step-grandchildren Megan Evans, Melinda Gerard, Grace Gerard, Samantha Gerard; siblings Doris McKenzie, Kate Sorensen and Doug Varney. Bill was preceded in death by his previous wife Susan, a daughter Debbie, a brother Rod Varney, a sister Carol McKee, and a step-granddaughter, Jessica Gerard. Funeral services will take place on Monday, March 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, 346 Vates St., Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Rev. Mark Karls will officiate the service, with burial in Frankenmuth Township Cemetery. Bill’s family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, Gideons International, Frankenmuth Lions Club, Frankenmuth City Beautification, or Pulmonary Fibrosis Association.
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