Varey, Donald Harvey, "Donny"

Born Aug.4, 1932, Don passed peacefully in his sleep Wednesday December 24 2025 at Trinity Care home in Farmington. Don was a kind, generous, caring man who was a wonderful husband to Joanne, his wife of 69 years (who died December 30) and father to his three disabled daughters, Jean, Lisa and Ann. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Della Varey, his father Jim Varey and brothers Arnie (Millie), Dean, Sonny and sister Marian (John Ostertag). He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Don and Joanne were very instrumental in starting Dakota's Children Inc. small group homes serving people with developmental disabilities in 1972. That program has grown dramatically over the years and is now known as Living Well Disability Services.

In 1950 Don joined the Air Force, serving at bases in Texas and Greenland. He spent his working life as a cement finisher He will be best remembered as a generous loving father to his daughters and to LifeWorks, the wonderful people that helped the Varey women enjoy their lives

He and Joanne lived most of their lives in Rosemount. Memorial gifts can be given to Living Well Disability Services and/ or LifeWorks for their important work. A combined Don and Joanne Varey  visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rosemount on Monday, February 9, at 10 AM, followed by Christian Mass at 11 AM   A private burial service will be held at a later date.

Bob Moeller, bob@moeller.us.com  612 723 3174

Service will be live streamed, details on St. Joseph's Catholic Church website.