Karen Venz

Karen Sue Welch Venz, age 66 of Beardstown, died Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Heritage Health in Beardstown

She was born November 1, 1950 in Indianapolis, IN the daughter of Arthur W. and Evelyn Deter Welch. She married Curtis Venz on July 26, 1975 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beardstown.

She is survived by her husband Curtis Venz of Beardstown; her children Megan Venz of Beardstown and Nathan (wife Mindy) Venz of Hazelwood, MO; her grandchildren Logan and Harper Venz; her brother Steven (wife Alissa) Welch of Shelbyville; her sister-in-law Carol (husband David) Miller of St. Charles, MO; her brother-in-law Keith (wife Janet) Venz of Burbank, IL; numerous nieces and nephews; several great nephews; and one great niece.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Venz graduated from Marshall High School in the class of 1968. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching from Eastern Illinois University in 1971, and a year later received her Master’s Degree. She began teaching Special Education and later, second grade, in the Beardstown School District for 32 years and retired in 2006. Karen was a member of Cass County Retired Teachers, and was very active in the Beardstown Special Olympics, and St. John’s and Trinity Lutheran Schools. She was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beardstown, and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville. Karen enjoyed reading; especially dressing up and reading Dr. Seuss books to children, and was known to decorate her house, inside and out, for every holiday. Karen loved her cat Callie. Most of all, she cherished being with her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville, with Reverend Andrew Dierks officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 4-7 PM on Friday at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown.

Memorials have been suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or Camp New Hope in Mattoon.

Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.


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