John W. Varwig

John W. Varwig, age 98, of Saint Charles, Missouri passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023 in Saint Peters, Missouri. He was born in Saint Louis, Missouri on February 10, 1925 to Lewis and Louise Varwig (nee Schroeder).

John was born in 1925 in St. Louis, MO to Lewis and Louise Varwig. His intellectual gifts for science and innovation were evidenced even in his boyhood days, when he and his brother Bob were known to fasten fireworks to a wooden toy plane—one which landed in a hamper of freshly laundered linens and burned a rather noticeable hole in a bed sheet. John enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 in the midst of WWII, was immediately recognized for his mental aptitude, and spent his years in service as an instructor in the developing fields of radar and electronic technologies at the Navy Pier in Chicago. Though he had grown up in the church, it was during his time in the Navy that he came to recognize Jesus as his Lord and Savior, a moment that would shape his future, family, and legacy.

After his time in the Navy, and while pursuing his education in chemistry, John met and fell in love with Millie June. He first saw her at Hope Church where she sang in a trio. And though Millie was hesitant to entertain his advances, John eventually won her heart and hand and was married to Millie for over 50 years, during which time they raised six children together. John worked as a research chemist for Mallinckrodt in St. Louis for over three decades, devoted himself to consistent service as a Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader in their church community, and spent many Sunday afternoons playing softball with his kids at the Hope Church ball field.

Even into his old age, John's life was characterized by a mind both sharp and lithe (as seen in his love for scientific and philosophic inquiry). His faith was both steadfast and consistent (being a model to his children in his study and memorization of the scriptures), and a heart both hopeful and gracious (as demonstrated by his devoted prayer life). He loved music and instilled that love in his children. That loved reached to his grandchildren as well. In his last years, John continued to enjoy the quiet work of jigsaw puzzles, time with his large and sprawling family line, and the game of counting the growing number of his great grandchildren.

John is survived by his sons, Daniel Varwig, David (Ann) Varwig, John (Debbie) Varwig, Robert (Beth) Varwig, Tom (Robin) Varwig; his daughter, Joy Thomas; his granddaughters, Kristin (Jeff) Wright, Andrea (Josh) Huckabay, Brooke (Wes) Moore, Paige (Evan) Ray, Laura (Justus) Witty, Julie (Jordan) Harms, Libby (Sam) Baltz, Irene Thomas, Katie (Jeremy) Gilbert, Allie (Asafe) Costa; and his grandsons, Rob (Hope) Varwig, Scott (Vanessa) Varwig, Dave Varwig; and a host of other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred June Varwig; his father, Lewis William Varwig; his mother, Louise Varwig; his brother, Bob (Jewell) Varwig; and his sisters, Helen (Bob) Bayless, Margaret Varwig.

Visitation will be from 10:30 am until 11:45 am followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm all on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 12928 Ladue Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63141. Burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Saint Louis.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in John's honor to the Navigators, P.O. Box 6079, Albert Lea, MN 56007. Click Here to donate.

or to the Gideon's International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington D.C. 20090. Click Here to donate.

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