Dr. Todd S. Varness

Todd Varness, age 36, passed away Monday, August 2, 2010, surrounded by family, following a courageous battle with cancer.   Todd was born on June 11, 1974, in Peoria, Illinois, to Harvey and Nancy Varness.  He graduated from Dunlap High School in 1992, from Valparaiso University in 1996, and from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Public Health in 2002.  He completed his Pediatrics residency and Endocrine fellowship at UW Madison.  On May 25, 2008, he married Dierdre Conley on the beach in Naples, Florida.   Todd lived every day of his life with an unwavering devotion to others. He was passionate about family, friendships, education and service, and this passion was infectious. He made everything he did look effortless and fun, largely because of his gifted mind, sharp wit and unwillingness to complain. He inspired so many of us to be better people.   He is survived by his loving wife Dierdre and the son they expect in December; parents Harvey and Nancy Varness; grandfathers Hiram Varness and Glenn Oertley; brother Erik (Kate) Varness; sister Krissy (Nick) Pretasky; parents-in-law Bruce and Karla Conley; sister-in-law Tamara (Mike) Gogin; nephews and nieces Emma, Max, Samantha, Braden, Brock, and Flynn; and countless friends.   A visitation will be held Friday, August 6th from 5-7pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1123 Vilas Avenue, Madison.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 7th at 2pm at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Todd's church (Trinity UMC; 1123 Vilas Avenue; Madison, WI 53715 - Designate ""Todd Varness Memorial""), to the UW Children's Hospital (UW Foundation for AFCH; PO Box 8860; Madison, WI 53708 -- Designate ""Todd Varness Memorial""), or to the Diabetes Camp where Todd was a medical director each summer (American Diabetes Association; Corporate Woods; 375 Bishops Way, Suite 220; Brookfield, WI 53005 - Designate ""Diabetes Camp, Todd Varness Memorial"").    Additionally, a college fund for Baby Varness has been established at Capitol Bank. Contributions may be made to ""Baby Varness Educational Fund"" and sent to Capitol Bank; 710 North High Point Road; Madison, WI  53717.   Todd's family would like to thank the Pediatrics and Anesthesia Departments at UW Hospital, Todd's many health care providers, the congregation of Trinity United Methodist Church, and all of the friends, neighbors, and patients who provided an immeasurable amount of love, food, and humor over the past several months.