RAYMOND VENZKE

Raymond F. Venzke, loved child of God, passed away Saturday evening, July 18th surrounded by his family. Raymond was born September 07, 1933 to Herman and Christine Venzke of Marshfield, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of Marshfield High School with primary years spent at Progress and Lindsey schools. He started college at UW-Madison as an Agriculture major, but decided to become a pastor instead so later transitioned to a major in psychology at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He went on to seminary at Trinity College in Columbus, Ohio. From there he and his wife took on their first parish at a twin parish in Minnesota - Bear Lake and Conger. After serving for three years, Ray and his wife Dawn received an opportunity to serve in three leper rehabilitation villages in Thailand. Ray served as a missionary in Thailand for three years. It was during that time when they adopted their infant daughter Diane Welai. After returning to the United States Raymond moved to Washburn, North Dakota to serve a parish for four years. He went to graduate school at the University of North Dakota - Grand Forks and received his Masters degree in psychology. After serving as a counselor in Mandan and Dickinson, North Dakota, Ray moved with his wife Demaris to Helena, Montana where he opened Chrysalis Counseling Center until his retirement. Raymond was also an active member at New Life Lutheran Church in Helena, Montana. Ray is preceded in death by his father Herman, his sister Jeanette, his mother Christine, and his wife Demaris. He is survived by his brother David (Wanda) Venzke who lives in Marshfield, and his daughter Diane (Dean) Doersch, who lives in Neenah. He has four granddaughters, Danielle, Dara, DeAnna, and Delaney. He also has two nephews, David Jr. (Mary) Venzke, Bill (Angie) Venzke, and a niece Krista (Dustin) Henderson. Ray spent his last two years as a community member at Island Shores Assisted Living Center. Ray will be remembered for his easy going-spirit as well as his smile and laugh at meal times. Ray's family is extremely grateful for the care and fellowship given to him and his family as he underwent treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. The members of the ThedaCare team at Theda Clark Medical Center, the Theda Clark blood center, Cherry Meadows Hospice, and Island Shores Assisted living became part of his family. Their love and compassion will not be forgotten. A Funeral Service for Ray will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 809 S. Commercial St., Neenah. The service will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Catherine A.K. Mode officiating. Friends will be received at Our Savior's from 8:30 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will be at Grace Lutheran Church Nasonville Cemetery of Marshfield at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.