Paul Thomas Varland

Paul Thomas Varland, 53, of La Grande, died July 31 at his home.

A celebration of life begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Zion Lutheran Church. A reception will follow.

Paul was born March 27, 1955, to John and Freda (Schmitke) Varland in Morris, Ill. He was raised and educated in Morris. Paul married Carla Larson Nov. 26, 1977, in Huron, S.D. The couple lived in Nebraska from 1977 to 1986 until they moved to Torrington, Wyo. They have lived in La Grande for the last 10 years.

Paul was employed by Union Pacific Railroad for 31 years - the past 10 years as manager of Operating Practices.

Paul's hobbies included riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. His passion was walleye fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Carla; children, Amber and her husband, Larry Villegas, of Richland, Wash., and Aaron and his wife, Rebecca Varland, of Fort Drum, N.Y.; brothers, Erling Jay Varland of Morris, Ill., John and his wife, Renelle Varland, of Braidwood, Ill., and Ralph and his wife, Donna Varland, of Wheaton, Ill.; sister, Betty Ashbaugh of Lakeland, Fla.; and three grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harvey; and infant grandson, River.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Walla Walla Cancer Center, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Morgan Lake Fishing Derby and the Grande Ronde Hospice.