Jeanne A. Varel, age 67, of Bartelso, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026, at her home. She was born November 22, 1958, in Belleville, a daughter of Hildegunde (nee Keitel) Valerius of Belleville and the late Melvin Valerius.

In addition to her mother, Jeanne is survived by her loving husband, Gregory Varel, whom she married November 28, 1980, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt; children, Denise (Jeffrey) Gurlen of Collinsville, Diane (Jarrod) Moore of O'Fallon, and Josh Varel of Bartelso; grandchildren, Lincoln and Weston Gurlen, Hannah, Corinne, and Sabrina Moore, and Gavin and Riley Varel; siblings, Laurie (Butch) Sparwasser of Waterloo, James (Sherry) Valerius of Belleville, Linda Hubbard of Belleville, Jill (Tony) Schaefer of Youngsville, NC, and Bruce (Donita) Valerius of Florida; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary Varel of Bartelso, Ronald (Mary Jo) Varel of Arkansas, Marvin Wesselmann of Carlyle, Geralyn Doelling of Venedy, and Mark (Debra) Varel of Beckemeyer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her father; parents-in-law, Frank and Loretta (nee Rensing) Varel; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Stanley Varel, Linda Wesselmann, and Keith Doelling.

Jeanne devoted 27½ years to serving her community as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service in New Baden, retiring in 2020. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found great joy and friendship as a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Ladies Sodality, and choir, often playing the piano. She shared her creativity and warmth with others through Clinton County Quilters and NALC Branch 155 in Belleville, and she had a special gift for quilting and stitching that blessed many with handmade treasures. Jeanne also found happiness in gardening, traveling, baking, and making memories with those she loved. Above all, her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, who held a very special place in her heart.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, February 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso with Fr. Thomas Lugge, Fr. James Buerster, Fr. Micheal Haag concelebrating. Interment will follow at St. Cecilia Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, February 16, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:45 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, St. Cecilia Parish, or Santa Fe Volunteer Fire Department and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5 ^th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.