Kermit Venzke, 95

Kermit William Venzke, 95, Wadena, died Sunday, November 8, 2009 at Tri-County Hospital in Wadena, with his children at his side.

Kermit was born May 27, 1914 at home in Douglas County to Herman and Johanna (Brueske) Venzke. He was baptized and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in South Effington. He attended country school in South Effington.

Kermit was united in marriage to Clara A. Gesell November 27, 1938, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Parsonage in West Miltona. Following their marriage, they farmed for several years in Spruce Center. They moved to a farm west of Parkers Prairie in 1946, where they lived until moving to Miltona in 1951. They moved to Golden Valley in 1955, where they lived until retiring in 1976. Following their retirement, they returned to the Miltona/Parkers Prairie area. In 1977, they moved to a farm north of Parkers Prairie, later moving to the Twin Cities area in 1993. They moved to Wadena in 2001.

His wife, Clara, died March 31, 2004. Kermit continued living in Wadena until the time of his death. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and in his later years, playing cards and board games, especially acey deucey and checkers.

Kermit is survived by a daughter, Renee (Paul) Vossen of Maple Grove; three sons, Dennis (Lorraine) Venzke of Wadena, Kenneth (Sandra) Venzke of White Bear Lake and Charles (Janice) Venzke of Wadena; a sister, Myrtle Carlson of St. Peter, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Clara; a sister, Frances Brockopp and three brothers, Walter Venzke, Alvin Venzke and Clarence Venzke.

Funeral services were held November 12 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena with Vicar Stephen Meltzer officiating. Music was provided by organist, Gwen Anderson and vocalist, Annette Popinga. Burial was at Parkers Prairie Cemetery. Pallbearers were Scott Venzke, Timothy Peterson, David Venzke, James Venzke, Michael Venzke and Tracie Erickson. Honorary pallbearers were Pamela Pfarr, Shelly Kelber, Michelle Erickson, Angela Yancey, Nicole Peterson and Kristel Wittstruck.

Arrangements are by Lind Family Funeral Service with chapels in Miltona and Parkers Prairie, www.lindfamilyfh.com.

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