Oct. 22, 1939 - Dec. 4, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Stephen E. Varga Jr., 71, passed away at his home in Sanford, NC, Saturday, Dec. 4 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born October 22, 1939, to the late Steve and Helen Varga (Molnar) in South Bend, IN. Steve was also preceded in death by his brothers, Robert and Jeff Varga, both of South Bend.

He graduated from South Bend Central in 1957. Then he joined the U.S. Air Force from 1957 - 1964. He moved to Plymouth, NC, to work for Weyerhaeuser Paper Co. after the South Bend plant closed. He retired from Weyerhaeuser in 1998, and moved to Sanford to be closer to his children. Steve married Carol (Nemeth) in 1973.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of 37 years; and three children: daughter, Vickie Schudel (Daniel) from Durham NC; son, Joseph Varga (Melanie) of Gibsonville, NC, and son, James Varga (Jennifer). Steve has eight grandchildren, Abigail Schudel, Adah Schudel, Daniel Varga, Andy Varga, Madelyn Varga, Luke Varga, Riley Varga and Bryer Varga, all of North Carolina. Steve has one sister, Jill Varga Ornat and husband, Edward. Also a brother Robert's wife, Lynne Varga, and Jeff's wife, Myra Varga; sister-in-law, Kathy Lebiedzinski (Tom). Lots of nieces and nephews, and he also has two surviving aunts, Mary Paszkiet and Agnes Molnar.

To Steve, his wife, children and grandchildren were the most important in his life. He was so very proud of his wife, children and grandchildren. When he was able, he would go to their baseball games, basketball games and soccer games, just everything his grandchildren were interested in, he was a wonderful Grandpa. His interests were sports: Notre Dame football, Saint Louis Cardinals was his baseball team, he also liked basketball and NASCAR. He was an awesome gardener. He loved to work in his garden and kept his yard like a park, and was great cook too. We will miss him so much, but we know he is with God and now and has no more pain, and is enjoying being with his Mom and Dad and his brothers. But we still have the pain of not hearing his voice, feeling hugs, and the "I love you's." His children will keep him in their hearts forever.

Millers-Boles Funeral is handling the arrangements, and cremation has taken place. There will be visitation today, Dec. 9, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, immediately followed by the prayer vigil. Both will be held at Miller-Boles Funeral Home in Sanford, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Home Care and Hospice, 809 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC 27330.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Dec. 9, 2010.

08/20/2022