Robert J. "Bob" Varsolona

1940 - 2014

Robert J. "Bob" Varsolona, 74, of Galesburg, died at 1:30 a.m., Thursday, September 4, 2014 with his daughter, Emalee, by his side, at Elm Haven West Nursing Home in Parsons.
He was born January 30, 1940, in rural Girard, Kansas, to Frank and Lucille L. (Vezzetti) Varsolona. As a young boy, he grew up and attended school in Arma. He then attended Pittsburg State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education degree.
Following college, he taught one year at Morehead Elementary School before moving to Galesburg where he taught 37 years until his retirement in 2001. While teaching, his students knew him as "Mr. V". During his teaching career, he taught 7th and 8th grade English and Social Studies in addition to Art for several years in all grades at Galesburg Elementary School. After his retirement, he substituted for three years until the birth of his beloved granddaughter, Marlee, who he babysat with until this past summer.
He was a member of the Galesburg United Methodist Church where he served on the Church Council, was treasurer for many years, and enjoyed decorating for the annual Harvest Supper. He was also one of the founding members of the Galesburg Museum, was instrumental in arranging their exhibits, and enjoyed giving tours. Bob had served on the Galesburg City Council for several years and was active in other community activities. He also loved taking long walks around "The Village".
On August 11, 1963, he and Jeanette "Janie" White were married in Parsons. They loved antiques and enjoyed going to auctions and flea markets to discover antique "treasures". She preceded him in death on October 15, 1994.
Survivors include his daughter, Emalee Mikel and her husband, Mark, of Parsons, KS; and one granddaughter, Marlee Mikel.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Charles Varsolona.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2014 at the Galesburg United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Galesburg. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.
Memorials are suggested to the Galesburg Museum. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.