Helen Varner Obituary
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Helen was born January 24, 1949 in Rockford, IL to Peter and Josephine Campobello. She grew up in a lively, caring, hard-working Sicilian-American family. On May 28, 1983 she married the love of her life, Paul Varner; the couple enjoyed 32 joyful years together until Paul's death in 2016.
Helen graduated with her degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Northeast Iowa Community College. She was an active participant in local and national Democratic politics and volunteered for many years at the Dubuque Veterans Freedom Center. She was a devoted parishioner for many years at the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque, and most recently at St. Thomas More Church.
She loved the outdoors and spent her leisure time playing tennis, pickleball, hiking our national parks, and kayaking. She also loved to read and started a book club in her community. Her favorite holiday was Halloween and she delighted in throwing costume parties. Helen was an incredible source of support to her neighbors, family, and many friends. She had a wonderful zest for life, enjoyed dancing, Italian cuisine, and maintained her sense of humor even during difficult times. More than anything, she adored spending time with her beloved grandchildren. She will be profoundly missed.
Surviving are her two sons Christopher Mohrman (Sherri) and Anthony Mohrman (Elizabeth); her daughter Alyssa Varner (Isaac); 7 grandchildren: Tami Mohrman, Katelyn Wintermute, Brandon Mohrman, Stephanie Fazekas, Abbi Mohrman, Annalise Mohrman, and Maisie Petersen; and her siblings: Virginia Simonetti, Ruth Todt, and Mark Campobello. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Patricia, and brother Richard.
Memorials in Helen's honor may be directed to Iowa City Hospice, The Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County, or St. Thomas More Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Bob Bucko
September 30, 2024
Helen was a very special caring person whose presence at the Veterans Freedom Center just illuminated the purpose of the center. Always ready to chat, pitch in on a project, or just be there for you. Rest in Peach special lady.
Bob Bucko
September 30, 2024
Both Helen and Paul were wonderful people and true assets to the Veterans Freedom Cente
r. Always willing to help, chat, and most of all care. Thank you Helen and Paul.
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4200 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
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