Audrey Venzke

Audrey Jane Venzke was born to Erwin and Dorothy (Conrad) Schmidt on August 11,1932, in Marathon County, Wisconsin, and peacefully joined her eternal home with the Lord on June 24, 2024.

Audrey graduated Athens High School in 1950 and completed a two year teaching training course at Taylor County Normal School, certifying her to teach elementary school. She earned a bachelor of science degree in 1972 and a master of science degree in education in 1992, both from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. In 1984, she earned a master’s degree in guidance & counseling from UW-Stout. Audrey dedicated her career to education, teaching 6th grade in the Medford School District from 1972 to 1992, and then served as a guidance counselor, and gifted & talented coordinator until her retirement in 1997.

On October 19, 1957, Audrey married James W. Venzke in Athens, and they worshiped together at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. Audrey had a servant heart, volunteering at church and loved being involved with her children and grandchildren. Besides her educational career, Audrey helped with the dairy farm, grew vegetables and flowers, sewed and embroidered, and was an avid reader. She also was the primary caregiver for Jim for seven years before his death.

Audrey is now reunited with her husband, Jim, and her brothers: Melvin, Gilbert and Eugene in heaven. She is survived by her sister, Dolores Venzke, and sons: Philip (Susan) of Stevens Point and Paul (Michelle) of Tomahawk, and daughters: Kathryn Wilson (Brian) of Pleasant Hill, Calif., and Esther DeSoto (Ken) of Marrero, La. Audrey leaves a legacy cherished by her eight grandchildren: Emily/Emery, Timothy, Joel, Anna, Miriam, Luke, Caleb and Noah; and her two great-granddaughters: Forrest and Winter. She is also survived by sistersin-law: Dolores Schmidt and Violet Schmidt. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby, with the Rev. James Groleau presiding. Burial will take place at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Milan. Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lutheran Hour Ministries. The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and Wellington Place staff for their support, care and kindness.

Online condolences can be made to www.

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