The funeral service for Daniel Jay Varner will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Hollandale Reform Church, Hollandale. The Rev. William Bankester will officiate. A family burial service will be in the Hollandale Cemetery at a later date, following cremation. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea and one hour before the service at the church.

Daniel died unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006, at his home in Hollandale. He was 52 years old.

Daniel was born in Albert Lea, on Dec. 1, 1953, the son of Cecil and Barbara (Kron) Varner. He lived his entire life in Hollandale and was a 1972 graduate of Albert Lea High School where he had played football. He was married to Cynthia Helgeson in September, 1976, in Red Oak Grove Church, Blooming Prairie.

Daniel farmed the family farm with his father and brother until 1983. He then did over the road trucking and most recently for Pro Trucking of Albert Lea. He had been a volunteer fireman for the Hollandale Fire Department for several years. His hobbies included fishing, golfing, helping farmers harvest, stock car racing, and watching sporting events.

Daniel is survived by three children: Christina (Lee) Holtberg of Blooming Prairie, Laura Varner and Jacob Varner of Hollandale; his parents, Cecil &8220;Bud&8221; and Barbara Varner of Hollandale; one brother, Chuck Varner of Hollandale; six cousins: Gail Kuntz of Montana, Steven Trim of Illinois, Mike Wilson and Jim Wilson of Iowa, Becky King and Ruth Ann Iverson of Minnesota; three aunts: Lorraine Kuntz of Montana, Mary Kron of Minnesota, Betty Varner (Burton) Wilson of Iowa; one uncle, Kris (Ernestine) Anderson of California; nieces and nephews: Allison and Amanda Slegh, Bryant, Mike and Stephanie Helgason and Eric Ruzek, all of Minnesota; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Nancy Jo Varner; two aunts: Helen Kron Trim and Josephine Varner Iverson; grandparents: Russell and Lola Varner, B.J. and Etta Kron.

Daniel was a special dad, son, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed. Blessed be his memory.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Hollandale Fire and Rescue Department or charity of choice.