Ron H. Venem, 71, of Albert Lea died suddenly, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, at the Albert Lea Medical Center as a result of complications of pneumonia.
He was born on Oct. 13, 1938, in Freeborn County, the son of Chris and Arlida (Johnson) Venem. He attended rural country school and graduated from Albert Lea High School with the class of 1957. Ron was proud to have wrestled in the State High School Tournament for two consecutive years.
Ron was united in marriage to Cheryl Johnson on Oct. 13, 1984 at Ascension Lutheran Church. They just recently celebrated 25 years of marriage.
He worked at Wilson & Co./Farmstead for more than 42 years before retiring in 2000.
Ron was a charter member of Ascension Lutheran Church where he had served on several committees, ushered, and was a proud and passionate member of the Dart Ball Team.
He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, snowplowing, splitting wood, gardening, helping on the farm, spending time at the cabin, playing cards and a good game of dominos.
He loved his role as grandpa, loved talking “Donald Duck,” and enjoyed every precious moment he spent with his grandchildren. He had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of his first great-grandchild.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Cheryl; three children, Mark (Sara) Venem of Eagle Lake, Minn., Todd (Julie) Venem of Lansing, Ill., Beth (Jimmy) Jacobs of South St.
Paul, Minn; grandchildren, Julie Venem of St. Louis Park, Minn., Kari Venem Rivers (Mark) of Savage, Minn., Heather Venem, Eagle Lake, Minn., Meggin Venem of Lansing, Ill., Lcpl Ryan Venem of 29 Palms, Calif., Madalyn and Camille Jacobs of South St. Paul, Minn.; sister, Sharon (Edward) Parkins of Hastings, Minn.; brothers, Thomas (Jeannie) Venem of Albert Lea, Arnie (Mary Ann) Venem of Albert Lea, brother-in-law Terry Johnson of Farmington, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Kristi (Brian) Vandegrift of Albert Lea, Brenda (Al) Brooks of Albert Lea; many special and thoughtful nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronald Venem; sister, Marlene Gray and her husband Robert; mother-in-law and father-in-law Doris and Chet Johnson.
Ron will was an incredible friend, companion, brother, dad, and grandpa. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered — as Ron would say, “See ya ‘round like a donut!”
The Funeral Service for Ronald H. Venem will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010 at Ascension Lutheran Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Mark Boorsma will officiate. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, at Bonnerup Funeral Service, 2210 East Main, Albert Lea, and one hour before the service at the church.
Bonnerup Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.