Mark W Varner raised me since I was about 2 years old. Regardless of circumstance or things at the time, He raised me as his son, an never called me or treated me as anything different. I have been blessed to have 2 fathers,  2 Dad's in life that have taught me many things,  but from the time I was a baby until I was a early teenager,  mark was an is my Dad. He loved me as his own. It is no secret that he an I didn't always get along as I became a young man, Looking back I thought he was just being hard on me. But as a grown man myself I look back on the hardest moments an lessons between him and I as valuable lessons that shaped who I am as a man an made me able to walk this life. Mark taught me how to fish, how to shoot, how to play basketball,  how to ride a bike, how to box, how to catch a baseball,how to shave,  how to fix things with my hands. But most importantly he taught me the value of hard work, keeping your word an never being scared of anything but God an taxes lol. Mark gave his whole life to others.  He helped build a family company that became a food an sauce empire at one time  BillyBones BBQ an never truly got his worth from it. He was a master engineer an mechanic who could fix or build absolutely anything he put his hands on.  I have learned so much from his wisdom and  from his mistakes, which something he always told me- its ok to mess up, as long as you learn from it. During 1 of our last conversations we just came back from a car dealership an stopped at a bar an i thanked him for coming with me to grab the new car an he said - "no problem. Thanks for finally getting you're s**t together," I said -" sorry it took so long" an he said - don't worry about it man. Took me longer than that. " an we both cheersd our glasses an laughed on the way out the bar. Mark was one of the hardest working men I've ever met in my life. He always deserved way more out of life than he ever got. As a kid I thought he was invincible, broken bones,  cut fingers an he'd shrug it off like it was nothing an go back to work.  Mark used to be a good drawing artist an stain glass windows designer , loved drawing dragons an alwaus wanted 1 as a tattoo, when he was younger an was pretty d**m good at playing the drums. As I got older mark an i became friends an understood & related to each other on a new level because we both had lived our 20s on the edge an pushing life to the limit an had made it to the other side in 1 piece.  1 of my father's philosophies was every now an then you gotta bend an break the rules a little bit as long as no one gets hurt an everyone has a good time. And that was what made him special.  For better or worse lol he instilled a fearlessness an different approach to life in me that has shaped me into who I am. No man is perfect,  this is another thing he taught me, but he taught me what honor is, what respect is. He taught me  lessons that helped me make it out of my own trials an tribulations,  - he taught me that life isn't always fair, life can an will be hard. But you can not let life beat you down,  what makes a man isn't that he fails. Its that he keeps going until the end, for his family an friends. He taught me that - it is what it is, but its about how you handle it an can do about it. Mark was larger than life in a lot of ways, a caged spirit in the confines of modern society. Mark was an old soul , deep beyond his years, yet could answer big questions with the simplest answers. He loved AC/DC, Ozzy an countless other bands. He had seen an met an hung out with a ton of music legends, this became something him and I shared later in my life because of my early career in concert venues an events an working in the music publishing industry.  Mark had alot legendary stories from his life that most people never see or experience in a life time. I am very grateful an lucky to have have him in my life, I would not be who I am today with out him.  I am very grateful he got to meet an spend time with my son (his grandson) I have some of the best memories with him, an a few legendary moments where the rules may definitely been bent lol   Ill never forget those days. I  will always love you Dad. I miss the days on the pontoon, the portage pub, those nights in the garage, listening to cheech an Chong santa stories on the radio, through the good an the bad, I would give anything for 1 more day. I hope you know how important you are. I could never be half the man you were.  Until I see you again,  I hope you have peace. You deserved so much more man. I'll never forget you. My friend,  My Father - Mark Wayne Varner.                            - Stephen Benjamin Varner                              if anyone needs to contact me  - 567-900-2104

Forever missed, always remember my brother.  RIP

We are so deeply sorry to hear of Mark’s passing.  He was always smiling and bringing laughter to those around him.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Lexi and the family & friends who surrounded him with Love.  Much Love Dave & Sandy 

We were shocked and deeply saddened to here that Mark had passed away.  Our hearts go out to Dawn and all his family.    We met Mark in 1990 and became friends and soon after coworkers.  It was always a pleasure to be around Mark he was always larger than life with his smile and laughter and if you ever needed any help he was always there for you. His passing is a tremendous loss not only to his family but also for anyone who has had the opportunity to know and be around him.  He will be greatly missed. 

                      Steve & Bobbi 

All of My Love  for Dawn and Lexi, you are in or hearts and in our prayers.

To Mark, my childhood buddy… we had so much fun building forts, shooting BB guns and so many other things we found to do.  You were a great friend, rest peacefully Mark…

Beautifully written - Todd & I send our condolences and wishes of peace & confort for Dawn, Lexi and family.  (Victoria’s parents) 

Dawn, I am so sorry to hear about Mark. Prayers for comfort and strength for you. You are in my thoughts. 

Mark was truly a good soul. Always willing to help, he and his whole family have stood by me in some trying times in my life. I love you guys and am so very sorry. 

Mark was our neighbor for many years. He always made time to help everyone no matter how tired or busy he was. His laugh was infectious. Peace to you all

I’m sorry for your guys loss. Lexi and mom, my love is with you guys. You have no idea how the calls in basic training helped Lexi and I thrive! Love you guys.