Melvin Clarence Varner was born Sept. 15, 1948, to Clarence August Varner and Verna Amelia (Schoening) Varner at Council Bluffs, Iowa and passed away Jan. 30, 2024, at Lincoln.
He attended grade and junior high school in Council Bluffs, and attended high school at Concordia in Seward. He served in the U. S. Army 1968-1969, with duty in Viet Nam. He was very proud of his military service, attaining the rank of Sergeant E5, with two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star Medal. On Feb. 16, 1982, Mel was united in marriage to Marilyn Buller. Mel was a plumber in Council Bluffs, building inspector, then city administrator for the City of Seward and Director of Operations for Concordia University in Seward for 26.5 years, retiring in May, 2009. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and did as much of that as possible.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; son, Melvin Thomas "Toby” (Karin) Varner, Lincoln, (grandchildren, Grant, Emily and Claire Varner); daughter, Macy Cathryn Albertson, Bakersfield California; sisters, Frances “Jo Ann” Gohlinghorst, Council Bluffs, and Corrine Varner, Omaha; and brothers-in-law, Raymond (Marcie) Buller and Clinton (Lorraine) Buller, both of Utica. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Verna Varner.
A private family interment is planned at the Omaha National Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the Varner family or the donor's choice. Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
