Myron D. Varland, age 87, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, in Rancho Mirage, Calif. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Myron Duane Varland was born in Leland, Iowa, on June 15, 1925, to Selmer and Amanda (Ekanger) Varland. He grew up in Leland and Bricelyn and graduated from Rake High School in 1943. Myron enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1943 and served his country during World War II on the USS Salt Lake City.

After returning from the war he relocated to Albert Lea. Myron was united in marriage to Ferne Lorraine (Christenson) Olson on April 20, 1950. He worked as a city bus driver, at Conger Elevator and as a truck driver retiring from Murphy Motor Freight Lines in 1982 after 28 years. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and a member of the DAV, VFW and the American Legion.

Myron and Ferne relocated to Watsonville, Calif., in 1983 to live closer to their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed traveling and their yearly visits with family and friends back in Albert Lea. Myron also enjoyed participating in his USS Salt Lake City ship reunions.

Myron is survived by his three children: son, Michael Olson (wife, Deb and children: Bjorn, Clay and Lars) of Honaunau, Hawaii, daughter Patricia Danna (husband, Lee and children: Rick, Anthony and Petrina) of Palm Desert, Calif., son, Kevin Varland of LaQuinta, Calif., sister Verna Tuttle and her husband, Arnold of Albert Lea and brother, Elmer Varland of Rosenberg, Texas; sister-in-law, Charlotte Dagner of Albert Lea and Howard J. Christenson of Jacksonville, N.C. He is also survived by his grandchildren’s spouses and five great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Myron was preceded in death by his wife, Ferne; his parents, Selmer and Amanda; and brothers Vernon and Omer.