Edward “Ed” Vernon Varner, 81, of Watseka, Illinois passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at his home. Ed was born on November 9, 1943 in Paxton, Illinois, son of Edward Vernon and Fleta (Ishmiel) Varner Sr, and they preceded him in death along with his in-laws, Orval and Helen Schroeder; two brothers-in-law, Gary Schroeder and Daniel Schroeder; and one sister-in-law, Cindy Schroeder Bell.

 

Ed married Mary Lou Schroeder on September 23, 1967 in Milford, Illinois and she survives in Watseka, Illinois.

 

Ed is also survived by his three daughters, Londa (Glenn) Luehrsen of Plainfield, Illinois, Shana Dorsey of Watseka, Illinois, and Tricia (Steve) Shephard of Watseka, Illinois; four grandchildren, Peyton (Mary) Luehrsen of Justin, Texas, Brant Luehrsen of Plainfield, Illinois, Clay Dorsey of Watseka, Illinois, and Brayden Shephard of Watseka, Illinois; sister-in-law, Carol (Schroeder) Haake of Cadiz, Kentucky; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and special friend, Kade Legan.

 

Ed was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka, Illinois, where he volunteered in many ways. Ed was a proud veteran of the United States Army National Guard and a member of the Watseka American Legion Post 23. He retired after 35 years of service with Illinois Bell/Ameritech, where he worked as a lineman, cable splicer, and cable repairman. He spent 22 years coaching girls’ softball. Ed was a proud supporter of the Watseka Warriors, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago White Sox, and he also tolerated the Chicago Cubs for his family. He enjoyed his time spent hunting. Ed took pride in teaching all of his grandsons how to drive and especially loved attending their sporting events and activities.

 

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka, Illinois and also one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka, Illinois with Rev. Aaron Uphoff officiating. Burial will follow in the Iroquois Memorial Park near Watseka, Illinois with graveside military rites by the Watseka American Legion Post 23.

 

Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka, Illinois or Iroquois Memorial Hospice in Watseka, Illinois.

 

Please share a memory of Ed at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.