Ray Varo

MONONA - Ray Varo was born August 7, 1991, and he went home to be with Jesus on October 15, 2026. He was the third child and oldest son of Stefan and Doina Varo. He grew up in Brodhead, WI. He was full of joy and had the most optimistic outlook on life. He made his parents proud and brought so much happiness into their home. He was also a fiercely protective older brother and a sweet and jolly younger brother. He loved to make people laugh. His family looked up to him because not only was he responsible, but he was fun.

Ray met his wife, Carley, while they were both attending the College Age Ministry at Blackhawk Church. They fell in love immediately and were married a short time later in a big, beautiful ceremony in Chicago. They added two little boys to their family, and he was a wonderful dad. Ray loved his family with every ounce of his being. He enjoyed watching his kids play soccer, cheered for his beloved Bears, and was usually seen with an AirPod in one ear, listening to one of his favorite conservative yet humorous podcasts.

Ray loved exploring new music, playing and watching basketball, fantasy football, making fancy coffee, cooking, entertaining friends, and he considered himself a connoisseur of whiskey. He was a hard worker and a faithful and loving husband, a devoted father to his boys and a loyal friend. His generosity was unmatched and if he saw a need he would go out of his way to meet it. He loved time in God’s word and worshipping at church.

To know Ray was to love him. He made friends everywhere he went with his outgoing personality and big goofy grin. The only thing bigger than his smile was his heart. He loved anyone and everyone he met and covered them with undeserving grace and understanding. His passion and love for Jesus shined through everything he did. He poured his life into other people. His biggest desire was for people to know Jesus, not just know about him but to experience the love of God and the gift of salvation. He had a deep faith and a desire to spread that faith through his kindness and forgiving heart. He was a precious child of God who was called home to heaven sooner than those he left behind wanted, but we rejoice in knowing he’s worshiping at the feet of Jesus. He is overjoyed, smiling, with a healthy heart and reunited with loved ones and making new friends. We have the hope and assurance of heaven, and we look forward to being reunited with him someday. 

Ray is survived by his wife, Carley Varo; his children, Tommy, Truman, and Dakarai Clay; his parents, Stefan and Doina Varo; his siblings, Lois (Nisi) Dorneanu, Iudita (Richard) Maris, Nicole Varo, and Ruben (Mickayla) Varo.

Ray is preceded in death by Ioan and Etelka Varo, Iosif and Maria, and John Mark Morris.

A Romanian visitation will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at GUNDERSON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison.

A visitation and celebration of life service will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at DOXA CHURCH, 2700 Novation Parkway, Madison. The visitation will occur at 10 a.m., followed by the celebration of life at 11 a.m. The burial will take place at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, following the service.

Memorials may be made to Credo Ministries. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420