Philip R. Varnum

Philip Roger Varnum, 72, of Onalaska, WI passed away on February 3, 2022. Philip was born in La Crosse to George M. and Mary (Johnston) Varnum on April 29, 1949. He attended West Salem High School. In 1968 he enlisted in the US Army and served two tours in Chu Lai, Vietnam. Philip was a Crew Chief on Gunships in the 176th A.H.C. “Muskets” and awarded two purple hearts after being shot down. After his discharge in 1970, he worked for the BNSF railroad for 40 years retiring in 2010. He also worked for Toyota of La Crosse part-time for five years. In 1972, he married Valerie Stelloh and the couple had two children, Dawn Marie and Seth Philip, they later divorced. On October 13, 1990, he married Sue Welscher. Philip enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing, and traveling. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. Philip’s favorite hobby was woodworking. He designed and created several pieces of furniture for his family. Later he self-taught himself how to create and repair stained glass. He worked on many homes in the area for both repairs and creating new pieces. Philip is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sue; daughter, Dawn (Casey) Staige of Holmen, WI, and son, Seth (Sara) Varnum of White Fish, MT; bonus son, Joshua P. Welscher (Meghan O’Connor) of Chicago, IL and bonus daughter, Melissa K. (Shade) Ridolfo of Trempealeau, WI; grandchildren, Asha Monique Boayue, Myles Dean Boayue, Coral Rose Ridolfo, Kegan Philip Ridolfo, Rafe Arthur Ridolfo, and Zephyr Gary Ridolfo; bonus grandchildren, Kayla Priebe, Amanda Staige, Brooklyn Staige, Read Lyons, Braiden Lyons, and Trista Lyons; sisters, Elizabeth Pordon of Southfield, MI and Mary Ruth Varnum (Mike Bromley) of Plymouth, IA; one brother, William (Susan) Varnum of Onalaska; sisters-in-law, Unja Varnum of Holmen and Patricia Peterson of La Crosse; brother-in-law, Paul (Renee) Peterson of Ogden, Utah; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, George M. and Mary E. Varnum; brother, George (Andy) Varnum; and mother-in-law, Patricia A. Peterson. A memorial gathering to celebrate Philip’s life will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Onalaska American Legion Post 336, 731 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, WI 54650. A private graveside service with military honors will be held at the Onalaska City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.