Dale Venzke

Dale W. Venzke, age 72, of Henning, died Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services are 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 19, 2016, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Rev. Kirk Lee officiating. Music is provided by organist, Maureen Diedrich and soloists, Mary Duberowski and Ken Venzke. Burial is at Parkers Prairie Cemetery.

Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Thursday at Lind Family Funeral Home in Parkers Prairie and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Dale Walter Venzke was born on May 24, 1944, to Walter and Geneva (Duberowski) Venzke on the Duberwoski family farm, rural Parkers Prairie. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Almora. He attended Almora School and Henning High School through the 11th grade. Following his education, he served in the Army reserve for six years and earned his GED. During his time in the reserve, Dale worked various jobs while farming near Almora. Following his honorable discharge, Dale met the love of his life, Paulette Winter, during his first band try-out at Geneva Lodge in 1967. They were united in marriage on January 3, 1969, in Osakis. They were blessed with four children, Ken, Kirk, Cindy, and Laura. Dale played rhythm guitar and sang in many bands before starting his own band, Bitter Creek, in the early 1980’s. Dale continued to farm and also worked for Wright Tree Service for 34 years. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and its Dart Ball league. Dale enjoyed hunting, fishing, and taking care of his cows. He especially loved singing and playing his guitar.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ashley Venzke; parents; sisters, Ramona Hofferbert and JoAnn Hanson; nephew, Steven Hofferbert; great-nephew, Brian Hanson; great-niece, Brenna Hanson; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Dale is survived by his wife of 47 years, Paulette; two sons, Ken (Rosanna) Venzke of Chillicothe, Ohio and Kirk Venzke of Henning; two daughters, Cindy (Dan) Olson of Fort Ransom, North Dakota and Laura Venzke of Lansing, Michigan; two sisters, Yvonne Young and Nila Venzke both of Battle Lake; honorary brother, Duane Klimek; six grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

Pallbearers are Ken Venzke, Kirk Venzke, Cindy Olson, Dan Olson, Laura Venzke, and  Rosanna Venzke.