Alice Varese

Madison - Alice (Karls) Varese, daughter of George and Rose Karls completed her life's journey late Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Agrace HospiceCare. Alice was born April 23, 1919 in Dane, Wisconsin where she spent her early years. The oldest of eight children, she attended St. Michael's Parochial School in Dane and Lodi High School. During her teen years she worked as a counter person at Kresge's on the Square. On June 6, 1942 she was joined in marriage to Steve Varese, a commitment and love that lasted throughout her life, even after Steve's death in 2007. The newlyweds lived in the Greenbush neighborhood for a decade before moving to Madison's West Side. In 1953, Steve and Alice opened the first Steve's Liquor Store at 3618 University Avenue by converting half of their home into the store. Growing that business was a labor of love for both of them. Alice also served as a volunteer at St. Mary's Hospital, was an avid bridge player and enjoyed many weekends in her camper at the Wilderness Campground in Montello. In late 2004, Alice moved into the assisted care unit at Oakwood Village West. Ten years later she moved into the skilled nursing facility at Oakwood. She was an enthusiastic participant in numerous activities at Oakwood and enjoyed her many visits with family and friends. She and her family greatly appreciate the extraordinary care and thoughtfulness of key Oakwood care-givers, especially during her final days. Alice spent her last days at Agrace and we are grateful for the loving care she received there. Alice is survived by two sons, Joseph (Mary) of Madison and Scott (Kathy) of Cross Plains. Her sons were born 16 years apart and never let her forget it. She enjoyed her extended period of motherhood and only occasionally confused her memories so that one of Joe's friends became Scott's or one of Scott's dogs became Joe's. Alice is also survived by two siblings, Betty Williams and George Karls both of Madison; five grandchildren, Katie (Wayne) Crokus of Madison, James Varese of Brawley, CA, Emily (DJ) Fuchs of St. Louis, MO, Dane Varese of Madison, Leilani Varese-Volker of Madison; four great-grandchildren; and two step-grandsons, Sean and Cody. Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Steve; three sisters, Fran Romano, Katie Weiss, Molly Kimberly; and two brothers, Harry and Ed Karls. Alice was a devout Catholic, but considered life itself to be God's greatest gift and figured heaven could wait. She took great pleasure in her rich and full life, and would have gladly signed on for another 97 years, although she increasingly missed her late husband, Steve. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2016 at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, with Fr. Bart Timmerman presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at church. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory to the American Diabetes Association or St. Thomas Aquinas of Madison would be appreciated.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434