Richard Variell Obituary

Richard "Rich" L. Variell, 79, of South Haven and formerly of Pullman passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, June 30, 2025. Richard was born on November 11, 1945 in Douglas, Michigan to Lawrence M. and Ruth M. (Hagger) Variell.
Rich was a 1964 graduate of Fennville High School, served in the US Army from December 1965- December 1967 during the Vietnam War Era and fulfilled his duties stateside as an auto/truck mechanic at Fort McClellan, Alabama.
Upon returning home his career consisted of auto mechanics. He was also interested in auto body work. He completed his schooling at Fisher Auto Body in 1968, Detroit, MI. Having had various jobs at area auto body shops, he decided to open his own shop in 1974. While operating Rich's Body Shop, he also began as a substitute mail carrier in 1977 and became the full time Pullman mailman in 1990. He became known as the mailman with his steering wheel on the right side of his vehicle – in which he built his own right hand drive conversion system to make his job easier.
His hobbies consisted of most anything that had wheels, whether 2 or 4, if he could "hot rod" it, away he'd go, often taking his 1968 GTO to Martin US131 Drag Strip to give it a go.
In the fall of 1985, his interest in building stock cars for Circle Track Racing at Kalamazoo Speedway began. In the spring of 1986 with driver Mike Baker #14, Rich the engineer, mechanic and set up of the car, earned him the nickname of "Magic" by other drivers. He always thought that was a hoot because he always said it's a combined effort. This was indeed a family affair as we always knew what we were doing come Friday night!
In 2001 he purchased a 1956 Chevy Belair Sedan and began to restore it, buying parts, traveling to car shows and flea markets, spending many hours working on it but was unable to fulfill his dream of getting it back on the road due to his health issues.
He loved his 1994 Harley Ultra Classic, cruising the roads with his wife and best of all trailering it to Florida and riding it there knowing it was snowing in Michigan.
Rich is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Haberland) Variell, children, Shelly (Glenn) Cowles of South Haven and Jason (Amy) Variell of Eau Claire, Michigan, grandchildren, Hailey and Hannah Variell and Maxwell Cowles, and sister, Pamela (Skip) Willis of Three Oakes, Michigan. He also leaves behind many other cherished family members and friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth M. and Lawrence M. Variell and his sister and brother-in-law Nancy and James Collins.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Filbrandt Chapel in South Haven. A Celebration of Rich's Life will begin at the Filbrandt Chapel at 1:00 PM. Pastor Mick Schmid will be officiating. Rich will be laid to rest at Lee Township Cemetery in Pullman, Michigan at a later date. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a memorial contribution could do so to Al Van Humane Society, PO Box 421, South Haven, MI 49090 or to Bikers for Vets, 72439 M-43 Hwy., South Haven, MI 49090 to be used for the Memorial Day motorcycle ride.
Those wishing to leave Richard an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 269-637-0333.