Darrell Venenga

Darrell “Pete” Venenga, 80, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away following surgery, on August 27, 2017 at Unity Point Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at the Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Bethany Presbyterian Church with a visitation at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow the funeral service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the Grundy Center Ambulance/Paramedics or one’s charity of choice.

Darrell was born to Ben and Grace (Lupkes) Venenga on November 16, 1936 in rural Grundy County. He was confirmed at Bethany Presbyterian Church and graduated from Grundy Center High School in the Class of 1954. Following graduation he worked several years in construction and lumberyard. He was united in marriage to Nancy LaVal Smith at Bethany Presbyterian Church on July 29, 1961. Darrell served several years on the board of directors of the Farmer’s Cooperative Elevator and two terms as an Elder of Bethany Presbyterian Church.

In 1968 Darrell’s dream of farming became a reality. He enjoyed being his own boss, the pleasure of accomplishing a challenge and being constantly reminded of God’s creation of all things. In about 1982 or 1983 he accomplished another dream and earned his private pilot’s license. The retiring pleasures he enjoyed were one-day trips, time with his family and friends and nurturing a few plants and flowers.

Darrell was a loving husband, proud father and grandfather. He was a man of quiet faith who could be both stubborn and charming and a man of his word. He was firm in both discipline and beliefs and never a double-minded man.

Darrell is survived by his wife Nancy; his children Denine Buck (companion Rick Benson), Collin (Julie) Venenga, Alan (Tammy) Venenga and Marci (Brett) Chickering; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Carol and DeElda and brothers Bernard, Keith and Elton.