Jean M. Varriano

Jean M. Varriano, 91, of Moorhead, MN, died Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in Sanford Medical Center, in Fargo, ND.

Jean Marian Wegge, daughter of John and Olga Hazel (Nelson) Wegge, was born in Climax, MN, on May 2, 1927. An only child, Jean was raised for several years by her grandmother on a quiet farmhouse just outside of Climax. So quiet - in fact - that she said they would only listen to the radio for an hour a day. It's no wonder Jean played the tuba in high school band, looking to add a little color and noise to her life.

After graduating from high school, Jean moved to Fargo to attend Interstate Business College. Like many women of her time, she lived in an all-girls boarding house, only moving out once she had met and married her husband John "Blackie" Varriano, December 30, 1948.

Blackie further brought noise and color to her life; the couple first lived in Moorhead and later moved to Bertha and Osakis before settling in Dilworth in 1962, eventually filling their home with the sound of seven rambunctious children. After sending her last child to kindergarten, Jean worked for Beltone Hearing Aide Center in Moorhead and Fargo until her retirement. In 1988 she and Blackie moved to Moorhead, where she has resided ever since.

Even though she claimed not to know what the smell of garlic was before marrying Blackie, Jean was an incredible cook, with a quiet ease that made it all look easy; from paper thin sheets of lefse and towering German chocolate cake to prize-worthy rhubarb jelly and soul-warming spaghetti sauce. There was always room at her table for friends and family, who upon arrival were sure to be set down with a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine and a plate of goodies.

Jean was a steadfast, no-nonsense person. A loyal, loving mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a voracious reader, a keen listener, and a lover of gossip and laughter. She enjoyed bowling, dancing, and was an active volunteer at her church for many years.

Jean is survived by her seven children, Jeanette M. Varriano, Moorhead, Jo Ann Varriano, Moorhead, David A. (Vicki) Varriano, Waubun, MN, John M. (Cyn) Varriano, Horace, ND, Kerby J. Varriano, Fargo, Mark S. (Mary) Varriano, Bemidji, MN, and Michael J. (Shelly Molstre) Varriano, Moorhead; 17 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Blackie, who passed in May of 2010.

A sincere thank you to the skilled and caring staff at both Sanford Medical Center and Bethany Retirement Living, who gave Jean love and care during the last month of her wonderful life.

Visitation for Jean will be Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, from 1 PM until 2 PM, in Bethesda Lutheran Church, Moorhead, followed by her funeral service, at 2 PM, also in Bethesda. She will be buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Moorhead.