Bonnie J. Venner

Bonnie Jeanne M. Venner, 83, of Genoa, WI, entered eternal rest at Creamery Creek Senior Living in Stoddard WI, with her loving family at her side, on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Bonnie’s life was a profound reflection of devotion, resilience, and grace. A woman of remarkable strength, she embodied the ideals of love, faith, and selflessness in every aspect of her journey. From her childhood in Genoa, where she was raised with a deep appreciation for her German heritage, to the many years spent on a dairy farm on Hickory Ridge, Bonnie lived a life rich with purpose, hard work, and joy. Her commitment to family was unwavering. Married to Thomas E. Venner for 61 years, she was a devoted wife and a nurturing mother to nine children, instilling in them the values of diligence, responsibility, and compassion. Bonnie’s home was a haven of warmth and comfort, often filled with the delightful scent of fresh buns, pies, and yellow rice—her culinary gifts to those she loved. She was affectionately teased for having "the best buns in town," a playful acknowledgment of her talent in the kitchen. Her famous sing-song morning greeting, “Rise and shine, it’s a beautiful morning!” became a cherished ritual, and despite the demands of farm  she always found time to read bedtime stories to her children, a quiet expression of her boundless love.

Bonnie’s life was not only defined by her roles at home but also by her relentless pursuit of personal growth and service to others. At 44, she fulfilled a long-held dream by earning a nursing degree from Viterbo University, then dedicating 18 years to caring for patients at Franciscan-Skemp in La Crosse. Even after retirement, her sense of purpose never wavered—she remained an active volunteer with the St. Charles Women’s Church Group, served as an election poll worker and devoted herself to caring for the needs of her community.

Her love for life was intertwined with the simple joys of country living. She found delight in sewing, baking, gardening, and playing cards. She had a deep love for polka music, whether at family gatherings, community events, or simply at home, the sound of polka music always brought a smile to her face and drew her to the dance floor. She was deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, attending sporting events and celebrating their achievements with a heart full of pride. Her "Wall of Fame," proudly displaying the photos of her 23 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, stood as a testament to the legacy of love and family she built.

Bonnie’s kindness, generosity, and integrity touched all who knew her. Grounded in her strong Catholic faith, she lived a life of selflessness and dignity, always offering care and a listening ear. Despite a lifetime of hard work, she viewed her journey with gratitude, often saying, “But it was a good life.” Her legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering devotion to family, community, and faith, leaving a lasting impact that will inspire generations to come.

Bonnie is survived by her children and their families: Steve (Irma) Venner of San Antonio, TX, and their children, Thomas and Talia; Edward (Teri) Venner of Chilton, WI, and their son, Thomas (Allison) and their children, Charlotte “Charlee” and Todd; Raymond (Tuyet Anh) Venner of Davis, CA, and their children, Thomas, Tyler and Tristan; Deborah Venner of Riggins, ID; John Venner (Sylvia Perez) of Onalaska, WI, and Annette Venner of Tomah, WI and their children, Jedidiah (Hanna), Jacob (Ashley), Benjamin, Nathan (Loreal), Rachel (Nathan) and Joe; Kenneth Venner of Genoa; Jennifer (Gary) Pedersen of New Lisbon, WI, and their children, Kyrsten (Mitchel) Hess, Cullen (Michaela) and their children Wren and Willa, and Larissa (Michael) Scalone, and Gunnar; Roxanne (Jeremy) Johnson of West Salem, WI, and their children, Andy (Ash Rogge) and Megan; and Tom (Renee) Venner of Stoddard, WI, and their children, Adam, Brynn, Ryan, Thomas and Zach.

Bonnie is also survived by her siblings: Roger Beck of Genoa, WI; Beverly Davison of Madison, AL, and Dan (Charlie) Beck of New Albin, IA; along with several brother and sister-in laws including Carol Beck of La Crosse, Marlys Venner of Denver, CO, Marilyn Domke of La Crosse, Duane (Mary) Venner of Denver, Jerome (Phyllis) Venner of La Crosse, Patricia (Bob) Vitrone of Loudon, TN, Dave (Linda) Venner of Stoddard, Gary (Marleen) Venner of La Crosse, and Don (Sue) Venner of La Crosse; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years Thomas Venner, her parents Walter and Violet Beck; her parents-in-law, Francis and Mary Venner; her brother Kenneth Beck; brothers-in-law, Jim Davison, James Venner, and Bernard Domke; and sisters-in-laws, Kathy Beck and Patsy Venner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Genoa. Rev. Daniel Sedlacek will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Charles Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 10 AM until the time of service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Charles Parish and School or Moments Hospice.