Rolland J. Varner, born in Ogden, Iowa, was 91 when he passed away peacefully on October 8, 2019. Surviving is his daughter Christine (Peter Romeo) Varner of Traverse City, sister Donna Troll of Maryland, brother-in-law Richard (Doris) Troll of Grand Rapids, niece Carlee Koessel and nephews Peter and Ric Troll. Rolly was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, of 54 years, and his parents Jesse and Elsie Varner and brother-in-law, William Troll.
Rolly, a Creston High School graduate, was a proud member of the US Army, serving two times in the Korean War (1946-48 and 1950-51). He was also a graduate from Davenport College before beginning his long-time (over 38 years) career at Steelcase Inc. He loved spending time at his cottage in Traverse City. Over 60 years in fact. Hunting, fishing and golf at Silver Lake Country Club were favorite past-times…but nothing put more of a smile on Rolly’s face than his eight Golden Retrievers. Rolly was also a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday October 12, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Visitation will be held on Friday at the funeral home from 3-5pm and again on Saturday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rolly’s name to a charity of your choice.
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