DONALD LEWIS VARPNESS, age 69, of Worthington, died Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at his home. He was born May 11, 1937 in Cottonwood, MN; to his parents Lewis and Grace (Judd) Varpness. Don grew up in Cottonwood and graduated from Cottonwood High School. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bemidji State University and a Masters Degree in Education from Mankato State University. Don was united in marriage to Audrey Phillips on July 30, 1966 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Clair, MN. Don was a teacher and head football coach at Gibbon High School and later at New Ulm High School. He served as an assistant football coach at Gustavus Adolphus College and was the head football coach at Worthington Community College and on the faculty teaching staff. Don was President of Minnesota State High School Football Association in 1971. He also served as Chairman of the Committee setting up the first state high school football playoffs. Don was also President of MCC Football Coaches Association and was a football coach from 1961 until 1995. Don was inducted into the Bemidji State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. He was also inducted into the Worthington Community College Hall of Fame and his teams were division champs in 1988, 1989 and 1991. Don was a member of St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Worthington. He was also a lifetime member of the Minnesota State High School Football Coaches Association. He retired as a 1st Sgt. in the Minnesota National Guard. Don was the head coach for the Community College All-American Bowl games for 4 years with a 4-0 record. He also served as head baseball coach at Worthington Community College and coached YMCA basketball and baseball. He enjoyed spending time with family and grandchildren at their lake cabin. He also enjoyed football, history, fishing and spending time with good friends. He is survived by his wife, Audrey Varpness, Worthington; children, Amy (Jon) Reger, Waseca, MN; Kim Vortherms, Adrian, MN; and Vincent (Kristen) Varpness, Worthington; three grandchildren, Megan Vortherms, Cory Reger and Alyssa Reger; sister, Jennie Majcher, Marina, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Grace, two sisters, Irene Midboe and Doris Hill. Blessed Be His Memory.