Lucas Venema

Lucas Albert Venema 1913 – 2007

Lucas Albert Venema, age 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 26, 2007 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lucas was born on December 1, 1913 in Salt Lake City to Lucas and Aaltje Elzinga Venema. He married Lucille Reid on September 20, 1946, and their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on April 11, 1958. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Motor Machinist Mate Third Class. During the Great Depression he worked for Wolfe Tailoring to support his parents. He later worked for Gray?s Motor and was employed by Mountain Fuel Supply for 33 years before retiring from the company as Motor Vehicle Shop Foreman in 1976. He kept the “family fleet” running in top order for many years. Lucas was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully served in many capacities including twenty-plus years as the ward clerk. Lucas loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener. He enjoyed fishing, traveling and exploring ghost towns. Lucas was very generous with his time and talents and was an exceptional friend to many. He was a great mentor and teacher to his children and grandchildren. He was kind and loving to his family. He especially loved and cared for his grandchildren and enjoyed welcoming the new little ones who are his great-grandchildren.

Lucas is survived by his daughter, Susan Richard Whiting, his son, Paul Joan Venema and one sister, Lilly Venema Andersen. Lucas is also survived by seven grandchildren: Heather John Snow, Clint Sarah Whiting, Thayne Christina Whiting, Jessica Jonathon Turner, Melodie Clint Edwards, Lucinda Jonathan Higley, Kurtis Venema; five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille, his parents and his sisters, Sadie Venema White and Johanna Venema Atkinson.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at 12 p.m. at the Cannon First Ward, 934 W Fremont Ave., approx. 1100 S Salt Lake City. A viewing for friends and family will be held on Monday, April 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 255 South 200 East, Salt Lake City and on Tuesday from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the church prior to the services. Interment will follow at Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City. Online guest book available at www.russonmortuary.com The family wishes to express their appreciation to Jill Murdock, the staff of Garden Terrace Alzheimer’s Center and Affinity Hospice for their loving care and support.