Eric T. Varel

Eric Varel of Beckemeyer died Monday, August 8, 2011 in an automobile accident near Beckemeyer at the age of 24 years. He was born in Breese, IL on August 22, 1986, the son of Mark and Debra (Ritchey) Varel.
Eric is survived by his parents: Mark and Debra Varel of Beckemeyer; a sister: Kyra Varel and special friend Josh Pitt of Carlyle; a niece: Hailie Pitt of Carlyle; maternal grandmother: Mary Ritchey and special friend Lavern Jasper of Beckemeyer; maternal great grandmother: Veronica Ritchey of Branford, FLA; his special friend: Jodi Pillow of Beckemeyer; Jodi’s children: Carly and Scott Pillow of Beckemeyer; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Eric was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather: Fred Ritchey; paternal grandparents: Frank and Loretta Varel; and a cousin: Rebecca Hagen.
Eric was employed at the Caring First Nursing Home in Breese in the Maintenance Department. He enjoyed fishing, boating and swimming.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Anthony Church in Beckemeyer on Thursday at 10:00 A.M. with Fr. Chuck Tuttle and Deacon Bob Lippert officiating. The interment will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery.
Friends may visit with the family at the Frerker Funeral Home in Carlyle on Wednesday from 4 to 8:00 P.M. or on Thursday from 8 to 9:30 A.M.
The family suggests that memorials in Eric’s honor be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the charity of the donor’s choice and those will be received at the Frerker Funeral Home which is serving the family.