Alec David Varnum

Alec David Varnum

Cedar Rapids

Alec David Varnum, 33, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 2, 2023, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Cremation rites have taken place. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at Murdoch Funeral Home in Marion, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 23, at the funeral home.

Alec was born on May 12, 1990, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of David and Kelly (Gustafson) Varnum. He was a 2008 graduate of Washington High School in Cedar Rapids and went on to attend Kirkwood Community College. He was a talented construction foreman and took pride in bringing a project from blueprint to a completed building.

Family was everything to Alec and he would do anything for them. Alec loved spending time with his family, especially his cousins. One of his greatest joys was becoming an uncle. He always gave bear hugs and there was never a time he wouldn’t tell you that he “loved you.” Alec was sweet, gentle, passionate and kind. He was quick to defend those who couldn’t defend themselves. Alec had a heart of gold that was as big as he was, an infectious smile and a fun-loving spirit. He also had a special bond with his beloved dog, Zook, who was his devoted travel companion. They were inseparable. Those who knew him will never forget the twinkle in his eye and his beautiful smile.

Alec is survived and lovingly remembered by his parents, Dave and Kelly Varnum of Cedar Rapids; sister, Amanda (Bronson) Taylor; two nephews, Jaxson and Brixson Taylor; maternal grandparents, Don and Pat Gustafson; paternal grandparents, John and Roberta Varnum; two aunts, Jeanna Jones and Cathy (Herve) Gentile; uncle, Paul (Shawna) Gustafson; five cousins, Reece Dresser, Riley Dresser, Enzo Gentile, McKenna Gustafson and Kade Gustafson; and a host of extended family members in both Iowa and Wisconsin.

Memorials in Alec’s memory may be directed to Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity at www.cvhabitat.org.

Please share a memory of Alec at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.