Submitted by: Dan Rich

Edward L. Varga

June 17, 1921 - Sept. 21, 2008

South Bend Tribune 9/24/2008
SOUTH BEND - Edward L. Varga, 87, loving husband, wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to all, has joined the angels in heaven. His spirit will live forever in our hearts, and in the hearts and lives of those he touched. Edward was born to Helen and John Varga in South Bend. Ed attended St. Stephen's Grade School and was a proud graduate of Washington High School. Ed was truly a "manager" in every sense of the word. He retired from the Morris Park Country Club in 1986 where he served as the general manager for over 20 years. He also managed the Indiana Club, the first chartered club in Indiana, located in downtown South Bend. Ed also owned two very special spots in the area named the Dinner Bell and The JMS Drive-In, which was named after his three children. Over the years, Mr. Varga also worked at the Studebaker Corporation cafeteria, the Kozy Kafe, and was very instrumental in helping out area restaurants, managers, and clubs in any way he could. The customer always came first and Ed Varga always made sure of it. Any occasion planned by Mr. Varga was superb and memorable. He truly had a passion for serving others. Mr. Varga enlisted in the Army Air Corps and as a co-pilot flew a B-24 bomber. He received several medals and was honored to serve as a first lieutenant. Ed kept in touch with his crew over the years, which he cherished. Ed was a member of St. Anthony de Padua Parish, was a past member of Morris Park Country Club and a former member of South Bend Elks #235. He belonged to the Club Managers Association as well as the American Legion. Ed also enjoyed being a previous member of the Battell Duplicate Bridge Club and always loved a good round of golf. Ed read continuously over the years and especially enjoyed Western novels and movies. He was also a proud member of the 453rd Bombardment Group Association.

Edward is survived by his three children: his son, Michael Varga (Linda) of Granger, and daughters, Julie Bankowski of South Bend and Sharon Hughes of Taylor, Michigan. Also cherishing his memory are six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: granddaughters, Karen Thornburg (Don) of South Bend and Kristin Varga of Mishawaka, along with his grandsons, Christopher Bankowski of South Bend, Jason Varga of Granger, David Wells (Rhonda) of Granger and Brian Wells of Taylor, Michigan. Ed also shared many joys with his three great-grandchildren, Samantha, Matthew and Emily Grace. Grandpa Varga was so special!