Gerald H. "Jerry" Varel, age 75, of Bartelso, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026, at his home. He was born July 13, 1950, in Breese, a son of the late Alois and Martha (nee Jansen) Varel.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his daughter, Trisha Renschen; sister, Lorraine (Charles) VonderHaar; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Barb Varel, Gervase Henrichs, Jerry Ratermann, Dennis Richter, and Tom Deerhake.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Lauren (Chris) Thoele of Bartelso; grandchildren, Vivienne and Loughlin Thoele; siblings, Louis Varel of Bartelso, Delores Henrichs of St. Rose, Rita Ratermann of Breese, Marilyn (Charles) Kruse of Breese, Albert Varel of New Haven, MO, Rosemary Richter of Breese, Jane Deerhake of Bartelso, and Don Varel of Bartelso; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry dedicated his working life to the carpentry trade, a craft he took great pride in mastering. He retired after many years with State Construction in O'Fallon, where his strong work ethic and skilled craftsmanship earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. He was a faithful member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso, Carpenters Local 660 of Freeburg, and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.

Outside of work, Jerry found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed working with his hands, caring for his homeplace, and keeping his yard meticulously mowed, and the time he spent with his grandchildren.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso with Fr. Thomas Lugge presiding. Interment will follow at St. Cecilia Cemetery, Bartelso.

Visitation will be Friday, July 10, 2026, from 9:15-11:15 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to his grandchildren's education fund (checks payable to Lauren Thoele) and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th Street, Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.