Val Wargel

It is with heavy hearts that we wish to announce the passing of our beloved family patriarch Val Wargel. He was called home by his Lord and Savior on Saturday evening, June 17th at Heartland Hospital in Marion IL. He was 90.  Val was a beloved husband and father, brother and grandfather, uncle and friend.  Val was a devoted member of the St. Kateri Catholic parish and an Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1581 and Knights of Columbus 4th degree assembly 0232.

Val had a lifetime of stories from his early years farming in Equality to his young adult years racing his favorite 56’ Chevy, to his married years spent in Alton then Ridgway.  All the while, working jobs from Chicago, to St. Louis, and then finally back home in Gallatin county.  Val made sure to provide for his wife and children through decades of work and even after retirement continued to work his farm, help his sons landscape business, and would often lend his labor to community and parish projects.  Some of his happiest years were spent at his Ridgway home gardening, farming, and watching his grandchildren grow.  He was an honest man, sincere and compassionate, a true model of work ethics, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Val is survived by his wife Anita, 2 daughters Valerie (Steve), Teresa (Kenny), 5 sons, Chris (Victoria), Scott (Gloria), Tony (Michelle), Chad (Tracy), Andrew, 16 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.    
Val is preceded in death by his mother Rachel, father Valentine, brothers Ron and John, and Sister Doris.

Visitation for Val will be Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway. His funeral mass will be Friday, June 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Kateri Catholic Church in Ridgway, with burial following at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations will be accepted for the Ridgway Fire Department and St. Joseph Cemetery.