Audrey Jane Venzke

1932-2024

Audrey Jane Venzke was born to Erwin and Dorothy (Conrad) Schmidt on Aug. 11, 1932 in Marathon County, 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 began her career teaching in small school settings in various locations in Wisconsin and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972 and a Master’s 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 Oct. 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 (Tom) 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 sisters-in-law, Dolores Schmidt and Violet Schmidt.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby, with the Rev. James Groleau officiating. 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. maurinaschilling.com

Paid Obituary 154587