Thomas James Varnum

Born in Radcliffe, IA on February 2, 1946
Departed on June 29, 2008. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Memorial

Thomas James Varnum, 62, of 1307 Forest Glen Ct. SE, died early Sunday morning, June 29, 2008, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids after a long illness. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 7, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids by the Rev. Dr. William Pugliese, with a reception at the church to follow. Visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A private inurnment service will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Barbara Schlacter on Monday, July 7 at Christ Church Columbarium.

He is survived by his wife Liz, daughter Katherine Varnum and her partner Patricia, and son Charles Varnum and fiancée Grace Rohwedder, all of Cedar Rapids. He is also survived by his sister, Marlys Varnum Allen of St.Louis, MO, an aunt Doris Varnum Ellis of Iowa Falls, IA, and a brother in law Walt Corey and his wife Linda of Cedar Rapids, his niece the Rev. Kelly Allen and husband John Rezentes and children Clare and David of BuckinghamShire, England, nephew Adam Allen and wife Heather and their children Chase and Blake of Bogotá, Columbia, and nephews Peter Corey and wife April of Ft. Worth, TX and Ryan Corey and fiancée Elizabeth Cearlock of Cedar Rapids. He is also survived by many beloved cousins and their families.

Tom was born in rural Radcliffe, IA on February 2, 1946, the son of Wayne and Jannett Harms Varnum. He graduated from Radcliffe High School and the University of Iowa. Tom was married to Elizabeth Corey on August 24, 1968 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids by Fr. Dominic Loferski. He worked in the medical billing and insurance industry, including 11 years at Mercy Hospital Family Practice Center and most recently for Principal Financial Group. Tom was a member of Christ Episcopal Church. He will be remembered for his faith, his love of antiques, cooking, history, a good joke, and his family.

Memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, The Cedar Rapids Public Library, or to the charity of the donor's choice in Tom's name.

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