Orvin "Guy" Varud, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and longtime resident of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Avantara Norton in Sioux Falls. He was 83 years old.

Born on January 26, 1942, in Powers Lake, ND, Orvin Harvey Varud, Jr. was the son of Orvin H. Varud, Sr. and Norma K. (Nelson) Varud. As a young child, his family moved to Bottineau, ND, where he thrived both academically and athletically in the public school system. After graduating from Bottineau High School, Guy moved to Sioux Falls to attend Sioux Falls College, earning a bachelor's degree in business.

Guy was a creative entrepreneur from early on. While still in college, he founded Varud Associates, a highly successful advertising agency. In the mid-1970s, he partnered with Glenn Jorgensen of River Park Treatment Center to create and produce one of the first infomercial series, It's Great to be Alive. The groundbreaking series featured several high-profile guests, including Dick Van Dyke, and focused on addiction recovery and hope.

In 1974, Guy met the love of his life, Linda (Johnson) Maddox. What began as a friendship—filled with "non-dates" over coffee and countless weekend boating trips—blossomed into deep devotion. After six years of steadfast commitment, they were married on May 17, 1980. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and purpose. For nearly two decades, they lived on an acreage on the west edge of Sioux Falls before relocating into the city.

In 1982, Guy and Linda co-founded Varud and Associates Insurance Agency. Guy later earned his securities license and went on to become a highly successful financial planner, known for his integrity, insight, and care for his clients.

Guy had a lifelong passion for boating, spending cherished time aboard his 27-foot cabin cruiser on the Missouri River near Yankton, SD and his 34 ft boats in Michigan and Texas. He and Linda shared a love for travel, enjoying many adventures across the U.S. and abroad.

Following Linda's passing in September 2024, Guy's health quickly declined, and he eventually moved into hospice care in the skilled nursing facility where he resided. Even through adversity, he remained known for his tremendous faith in Christ, loyalty, kindness, and quiet generosity—often performing acts of compassion without recognition. The one thing that Guy was the most proud of was his children and his grandchildren.  He spoke of them often to friends and to the staff at his skilled care facility, regaling anyone who would listen with stories of their latest achievements.

Guy is survived by his children: Michelle Spawn of Sioux Falls, SD; Kirk (Sarah Rich) Varud of Menno, SD; and Brook Ann Young of Deltona, FL; his grandchildren: Julia Welding, Emily Welding (Larry Ordaz), Christine Nestegaard, Carson Helmer, Shiloe (Andrew) Tramp, Devin Rich (Ryan Dykes), Stryder Rich, and Fallon Rich; and his great-grandchildren: Logan, Sophie, Leafa, Jacob, Mila, Kellan, Novella, Roman, Enver, and River. He is also survived by his sisters Karen Varud and Ann Tonette Varud, along with many cherished relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Linda, his parents, and sisters Laurel Ann Varud and Patty Webb.

Guy will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for his golden heart, his enduring presence in the lives of those he loved, and his unwavering belief in showing up for others—whether on a boat, at a coffee table, or in life's quiet moments of need.

Memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 4th, 20225 at Wesley United Methodist Church.