Vicki Varner

Vicki L. Varner, 60, of Davenport, IA passed away Monday, April 20, 2020 at UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, IA. Per her wish, Vicki was cremated with inurnment at the National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal.

Vicki Lea Eddleman was born November 14, 1959 in Beloit, WI, a daughter of Ryland “Rock” and Barbara “Bobbie” (Meyer) Eddleman. Vicki grew up in Hamilton, IL and was united in marriage to Steve Varner, September 16, 1978, in the same location. Vicki gave birth to her only son, Travis Varner, on December 23, 1988 in Davenport, IA.

Vicki was THEE life of the party. She danced like nobody was watching, or if they were, she did not care. Her gracious heart, contagious laugh and confident personality unlocked many life-long friendships. Everywhere she went, from a concert to a casino, from a bar to a bistro, from a grocery store to a department store… friendships with Vicki occurred.

She basically met her husband at a KISS concert in January 1977 in Des Moines, Iowa. Ironically, as it turns out, her last concert was on September 16, 2019 which was also their anniversary that her son purchased and attended, as a gift. It was quite appropriate that it featured the same band, KISS, and was in the same city as that initial event more than 40 years ago. She loved music and attended many concerts including many different local bands.

If how people treat their pets is a key marker, as some believe, of how kind and genuine one’s heart is, then Vicki’s heart barely fit in her body. She loved every one of her pets so much over the years and was always devastated every time one of them would pass on. She would refer to her two surviving pets, Jasper and Jackpot, as “the boys” when asking about how they were doing while she was in the hospital. Before that they were her constant companions and their welfare was always on her mind. She had their names scrawled on the whiteboard towards the end of her unbelievable fight over the last two plus months. She not only surprised her family and friends, but also the hospital staff with the tenacity and inner strength she displayed.

Vicki became closer to God during this arduous fight and the prayers she shared with her husband, her son, the hospital chaplain, and God himself were such a comfort to her. She had to overcome several medical obstacles during her adult life, but after two procedures and five major surgeries, she finally found peace. Her husband and son were so grateful that her last full day on this Earth was spent with them. They were able to share with her how much she meant to them and how proud of her they were because of the battle she waged so courageously. However, they also wanted her to know that it was time to let her hospital staff make her as comfortable as possible before her new journey. Her husband shared with her that although their bond was stretched many times and, in many ways, it never truly was broken. They both knew what that meant and how true it was.

Vicki liked to laugh and quite often her heartiest laughs were at her own expense when she would realize (sometimes with the help of her husband) something she said or did was silly. Along with that welcomed laughter was a naivete and in some ways a gullible tendency that was quite endearing.

Her husband served in the United States Navy for almost eight years and whisked her out of her small hometown to “see the world.” They created many memories and they will be cherished by everyone that were a part of them.

Vicki was someone who worried about others. During the time spent in the latest three hospitals, she would compliment her many nurses and doctors regarding the care they provided and would also empathize with them for what they were going through. She had a wonderful spirit in many ways. Many hearts are a lot heavier now but grateful for the time they had and with the knowledge that she is finally at peace and pain free. She made a difference in her own way and will be sorely missed.

Vicki’s desire to keep fighting was driven by the desire to see her “pride and joy” son Travis, get married to his future bride, Michelle, who she adored immensely. Although, that became unattainable, she was still able to witness a private ceremony between her and the future Mr. and Mrs. Travis Varner as they exchanged their wedding vows for her. Vicki was an amazing mother and would have done almost anything to protect her son. She was so proud of him and loved sharing his many accomplishments with her friends and family.

She is survived by her husband for over 40 years, Steve, and their son Travis (Michelle Wallace) Varner, San Francisco, CA; her dad, Ryland “Rock” (Sherry) Eddleman, Davenport, IA; her siblings, Louise (Rusty) Steele, Palm Bay, FL, Jamie (Steve) Hintz, East Moline, IL, Dereck (Chrissy) Eddleman, South Beloit, IL, Carol Eddleman / Smith (Rod Phillips), Burlington IA, Emma’le (Brian) Blaydes, Big Lake, MN, many friends, nieces and nephews; as well as her silly boys, dogs Jasper and Jackpot. She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara, in addition to pets she considered family Tigger, Buster, Boo-Boo, Cosmo, Ralphie, Fluffy, Boots, Taffy and Dexter.