Franklin C. "Clay" VARNER

VARNER, STEPHENS, HANSON, SCHMITT, BINSFIELD

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 6/3/2009 at 23:53:05

The Post Crescent
Appleton, Wisconsin
Sunday, March 19, 2000

OBITUARY - FRANKLIN C. "CLAY" VARNER

Franklin C. "Clay VARNER, age 88, died peacefully at his new home, the St. Paul Villa, on Saturday, March 18, 2000. He was born August 10, 1911, in Delphos, Iowa, the son of the late Omer C. "Pops" and Nina (STEPHENS) VARNER. He attended Simpson College and Iowa State Teacher College, leaving just one quarter short of graduation. He interrupted his education several times in order to earn enough money to continue, serving as a teacher in rural schools across Iowa. When he was offered a job with International Harvester, he left college and soon thereafter purchased Decorah Implement in Decorah, Iowa. Clay spent the majority of his life in Decorah as an implement and truck dealer until his retirement in 1985. Many happy years were spent in Green Valley, Arizona, before moving to Kaukauna in 1992.

Clay married the former Lelah HANSON in 1939 and the couple had five children, Ruth SCHMITT, West Bend; Stephen, Roanoke, Virginia; John (deceased); Faye (Ed) BINSFIELD, Little Chute, and William (Patricia) of Tokyo, Japan. He had great pride in his 10 grandchildren, his step grandchildren and his eight great-grandchildren. He is further survived by a brother, Alvin (Galene) VARNER, Coronado, California.

Clay was a devoted husband who visited his wife daily in her final years at the St. Paul Home in Kaukauna.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lelah; his son John; son-in-law, John SCHMITT, and three of his four brothers. It was Clay's wish to be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. The Boettcher Family Funeral Home, Kaukauna, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Clay enjoyed each of his homes throughout his life, but he was especially grateful for the many kindnesses and friendships he found in Kaukauna and at the St. Paul Home. His family joins in thanking the St. Paul Home for their kindness which exceeded any professional duty, and the staff at the St. Paul Villa for making his final week one of privacy, dignity and enjoyment.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2009