Daniel Varble

On Wednesday, March 13, 2019, Daniel K. Varble passed away at the age of 75 in Bellaire, Michigan.  Dan was born June 15, 1943 in Rockford, Illinois to Glenn I. and Yvonne A. Varble.

Dan graduated from Rockford West High School and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before starting his professional career as an Accountant.

Dan retired as a Vice President & Treasurer of Provincial House in Lansing, MI and moved to Bellaire, MI to enjoy the beauty of the area.  He was active in the community for over 35 years as a member of the American Red Cross in many capacities including disaster services, service to the Armed Forces, blood drive volunteer, and as a board member of the Antrim County Chapter of the American Red Cross.  Additionally, he served as the Treasurer of the Bellaire Community Food Pantry for the past 10 years and supported the Bellaire Public Library as a patron of Friends of the Library.

Dan loved the game of golf.  He not only enjoyed playing golf, he studied the history of the game as well.  He went on frequent trips with his friends to Scotland to play storied golf courses that provided lasting memories.  Travel was one of his favorite things.  He enjoyed the sense of discovery when traveling and the friendships that he made during his travels.  Visiting new places with his wife Marcia was an important part of his life.  It produced wonderful stories and many lasting friendships along the way.  Dan was kind, compassionate, and thoughtful.  He took the time for conversation with anyone that he met.  He was always thinking of others.

Reading was one of Dan’s favorite things to do.  He was fond of history books and enjoyed good mystery writers.  From his interest in history, he naturally became interested in genealogy.  He made various road trips to overgrown cemeteries or battlefields while he explored family history and American history.  He was a great fan of many sports, but he especially enjoyed Red Wing Hockey and Tiger Baseball.  Occasionally, he would also attend minor league games to simply get in touch with the roots of the sports that he loved.

He was a man who enjoyed words, the use of language, and the arrangement of words to arrive at something meaningful.  He would often toil over the dictionary in search of a new word.  This sometimes led to entertaining word games while you were in his company.  He was always learning.  It never stopped.  He possessed a great sense of humor with a quick but friendly wit.  Those who were close to him knew his witty banter and he often made it into a friendly game.

Dan was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He enjoyed time with his family and his friends along with his ever-faithful dog, Oliver. The two enjoyed frequent walks together and long rides in the car.  It is very evident that Oliver misses him, too.

In 2007, Dan and his wife Marcia had the pleasure of hosting, Kangqiao (KQ) Huang, a 15 year old Chinese exchange student from Beijing.  KQ stole their hearts and quickly became part of the family.  They have had the opportunity to travel through China with KQ and she has returned several times to be with her American Dad and Mom.

Dan is survived by his wife Marcia of 54 years, his sons Todd (Tracy Corey) Varble and Mark (Cheryl) Varble, his granddaughters Samantha, Kira, and Andrea Varble, his sister, Linda Phillips, as well as many wonderful nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Jack, Gerald, and Richard Varble.  A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Dan’s life will be held sometime after the snow melts when the spring and summer flowers are in bloom.  You can remember Dan’s life through a memorial gift to the Bellaire Community Food Pantry, the Bellaire Public Library, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com