Carol Rae (Meeks) Varilek

Carol Rae (Meeks) Varilek

Aug. 17, 1954 - June 8, 2018

CULBERTSON, Neb. — The family of Carol Rae (Meeks) Varilek wishes everyone to know that her work here on earth is complete. On June 8, 2018, she answered the call home to join family and friends not seen in a long time.

Carol was born Aug. 17, 1954, to William and Elaine Meeks in Waukesha, Wis. She graduated from Campbell County High School in Gillette, Wyo., in May of 1972 and married John Varilek in August the same year. John and Carol initially settled in Palisade, Neb., but soon moved to Culbertson where they raised four upstanding young men.

For many years, Carol stayed home with her family and did a remarkable job assuring they made practices/games on time, completed their homework, wore color coordinated ensembles and came home sharply on the appointed hour. She later took work at the Frenchman Valley Irrigation District office and then the Culbertson Elevator where she thoroughly enjoyed conversing with the farmers/characters of the local area. She later looked forward to helping each year with harvest, driving a grain cart. In her free time, Carol loved to read, sew, tend to her garden and chickens and chase Arlie (Great Dane) out of the house. She was active in the Trinity Lutheran Church as a long-time treasurer and Sunday School/Vacation Bible School teacher/director. She enjoyed many years with the Friendly Neighbors women’s club and treasured spending time with her grandchildren.

Carol leaves behind John, her beloved husband of 46 years; her sons, John (JD) and his wife, Karen; children, Anna and John of Bossier City, La.; Brandon and his wife, Bradette; children, William, Blaine and Wyatt of Raymond, Neb.; Phillip and wife, Jennifer; son, Paxton and daughter, Charlotte Rae of Tucson Ariz.; Benjamin and his wife, Julieann of Apollo Pa.; and her sister, Patti (Meeks) Westre and husband, Jay of Kermit, Texas; sons, Byron, Darren and Galen. Carol was preceded in death by her father, William Meeks and mother, Elaine Meeks.

Carol was a loving wife, mother and friend. We wish her a safe journey until we all meet up with her again in the presence of our Lord. We will remember her smile, her energy, her love of life, family and friends, and the stacks of books stashed throughout the house. She worked hard her whole life and the world is a better place for having her in it.

Memorial services will be at a later date.

Memorials may be given in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the Palisade Veteran’s Memorial c/o Billy Smith, 107 South Vennum St, Palisade, NE 69040 and the Culbertson Rescue, 313 Tate St, Culbertson, NE 69001.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit carpenterbreland.com to leave your condolences for Carol’s family on her tribute wall.