Robert "Bobby" Varner

Funeral Service for Robert "Bobby" Varner, 85, of Baker will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 3, 2024 at Stevenson Funeral Home with Don Buerkle officiating. Burial to follow at Bonnievale Cemetery.
 
Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2, 2024 at Stevenson Funeral Home.
Prayer Service being held at 6:00 p.m. Stevenson Funeral Home.
 
Bobby “Bob” passed away at his home surrounded by family May 28, 2024. 

Robert E. “Bobby” or “Bob was born on the family farm in Fallon County on September 14, 1938 to Reuel “Bob” and Marguerite (Crawford) Varner. He grew up attending Chimney Creek School through eighth grade. He moved to town and was working at the Chevy Garage and it was at this time he met the love of his life, Linda Bilges. In December of 1957, Bob and Linda (Bilges) married. To this union three children were born, Doug, Jeff and Kandi. Bob and Linda moved to the farm helping his mother after his father’s passing and worked for many neighboring ranches before he was offered an operator job with MDU at Little Beaver Plant. At this time he self- studied and he earned his GED. In 1974, the family moved to Baker when Bob started his electrical apprenticeship. Bob was very proud of this accomplishment which later led him to becoming a master electrician in 1981 and was eventually certified in four states. Bob retired as a master electrician 2004. However, retirement did not stop him from doing what he loved as he continued in the electrical field by starting Varner Electric and worked until 2015. 

Bob and Linda raised their family with the opinion that you don’t have to have money to make wonderful memories. Over the years he became a man of the outdoors, hunting, camping and fishing with his children and grandchildren. Time spent with his family was so enjoyed and treasured. He and Linda took to travel enjoying many cruises (even though he was not fond of water) and attended the NFR for 20 years. Being an avid Dallas Cowboy fan they made a trip to Dallas and attended a game in the new stadium. Nascar also became an interest to Bob.

Bob was a loyal member of the community of Baker. He was a member of American Lutheran Church, Baker Fire Department, and Chimney Creek School Board. A large hobby for Bob was golf and he also served on the golf course board.  

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Linda; sons, Doug (Rosanne) Varner, Jeff (Jodi) Varner; daughter, Kandi (Dave) Stapleton; grandchildren, Zach (Tessa) Varner, Brady Varner, Dustin Varner; great grandchildren, Aidyn and Kira Varner; step-grandchildren, Candi, Daniel and Andrew Stapleton, Morgan, Mariah, Billie Jo and Johnny Miller; step-great grandchildren, Bradley, Zachary and Wesley Wright, Nixon Stapleton; sister, Marlene Karch; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Reuel and Marguerite; son, Timothy; sister, Gloria Boggs; brother-in-law, Jim Karch. 

In lieu of flowers the family would like a charitable donation be made to Fallon Medical Complex.