Marvin E. Venzke

Marvin E. Venzke, 80, Athens, passed away peacefully at Golden Living Center Continental Manor in Abbotsford on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Marvin was born in the town of Holton on November 27, 1935 to Henry and Elsie (Denzine) Venzke. On June 29, 1963, he married Nathlie Schmitt at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Marvin served his country in the United States Army and then returned home and purchased a farm outside of Athens, where he and his wife, Nathlie, raised their two children Scott and Renee. Marvin worked for the United States Postal Service for 33 years until his retirement in 2000. Marvin served the town of Halsey as Town Chairman and served on the Athens Co-op Board as Director and President. Marvin enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and enjoyed spending time at his cottage on Lake Nokomis with his family. Marvin also loved attending his grandsons sporting events, playing cards and bowling. Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Nathlie; his son, Scott (Kris) Venzke and their son, Dakota; his daughter, Renee (Joe) Tessmer and their sons, Gunnar and Lane; and his brother, Thomas (Delores) Venzke. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Walter; his brother, Fred; and his sister, Luella Wegan. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate. Burial will be in the Athens Lutheran Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the American Legion, Athens and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Athens. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com