Stephen Robert Varcoe of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, former resident of Emmetsburg, died January 18, 2024 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, South Dakota, while recovering from a serious illness. He was 75 years, 5 months and 17 days old.
Stephen was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa on August 1, 1948 to Burton and Arlene(Bast) Varcoe. Stephen was the oldest of three siblings; Charles Richard Varcoe and Jane Vanetta Varcoe. All of Stephen’s life he was very close to Charles and Jane.
Stephen was baptized at St Paul Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg in 1948 and confirmed in 1962.
In 1949 Stephen moved to Algona, Iowa with his family where he lived until 1953 when the family moved back to Emmetsburg.
While in High School in the summer, Stephen worked at the Nauss Oil Company and at the Red Owl grocery store owned by Harold Wohl.
Stephen received his education at Emmetsburg High School graduating in 1966. He was a Thespian, sang in the choir and played the saxophone.
Following High School he attended South Dakota State where he met the love of his life Margo Jean Collins. Stephen and Margo were married in Mellette, South Dakota on August 30, 1968.
After their marriage, Stephen decided to change his major and Margo decided to become a nurse. They moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where Stephen attended Augustana College graduating in 1970 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in English.
Following graduation, Stephen enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam from 1970-1972. His experience as an MP and Prison Guard were a part of conversation throughout his life. He kept pictures of his Army friends and cherished Margo’s love letters.
Stephen and Margo had four children; Heath, Nathan, Ginger and Paul. Heath and Nathan died shortly after birth before Margo was able to leave the hospital.
Stephen was the Director of Personnel at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls for 26 years.
As part of their retirement dream, Stephen and Margo owned and operated the Birdfeeder store in Sioux Falls. After Margo’s death in 2002, Stephen closed the store.
Stephen was a proud Democrat. He was a loving sports fan remaining loyal to the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing and hunting.
Stephen was preceded in death by his mother Arlene; his wife of 34 years Margo; two sons Heath andNathan; brother-in-law John T. Collins; nephew Nathan Sesker and others.
Stephen is survived by his father Burton H. Varcoe of Emmetsburg, Iowa; daughter Ginger Allsion Varcoe of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; son Paul Collins Varcoe (Erica Ann Reese) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his three grandchildren Noah Collins, Mollie Jule, Elias Henry and his dog Kirby who had been his companion for 11 years; brother Charles Richard Varcoe and wife Rickie of Adel, Iowa; sister Jane Vanetta Sesker(David) of Norwalk, Iowa; sister-in-law Lynn Ryan of Spain and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services were Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at the Miller Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with his daughter-in-law Pastor Erica Varcoe as Officiant.
Interment was at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota beside Margo and their two boys.
