It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the death of Herbert Lewis Venner, at the age of 76. He took his place in his heavenly home on February 6, 2016 after a valiant battle with Glioblastoma Multiform, an aggressive form of brain cancer. His devotion to his family, friends, and God, supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Herb was born to the late Herbert Venner and Rose (Marchi) Venner, on November 6th, 1939 in Butte, Montana. In his early years, Herb attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and Boys Central High School. Out of high school Herb worked at the Safeway Inc., and worked summers in West Yellowstone. Herb enlisted in the Army, and spent 2 years stationed at Fort Irwin in Barstow, California. Upon his return from the service Herb enrolled at Western Montana College. He graduated from Western with a degree in Secondary Education and accepted a position as a high school business teacher at the Butte Vo-Tech, and later Butte High School where he would teach for over 30 years.
Herb was blessed with a loving family and a wide circle of friends. In 1966, He married Kitty Lee Venner who later divorced, but remained close friends to the end. Herb helped raise his three children (Mike, Pam, Mark) with patience, discipline and humility. He was an educator at heart, was kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small.
To say, "Herb was active" would be a monumental understatement. Herb was an avid handball player and loved grabbing a cold one or two after playing at the Elks. He played fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball with the Deluxe Big Guys for several years and often told stories of their unique style of play. Herb loved to bike ride, ski, fish, and barbeque with his long time companion Janet Thompson. In his down time he learned to become a master wood carver, and would spend countless hours reading and researching Montana History with an emphasis in American Indian Battlegrounds. Herb loved his shared dog and there wasn't a day he didn't stop to play, pet, or spoil his favorite girl Suki.
It is safe to say that one of Herb's passions in life was playing golf with his numerous friends at Fairmont Hot Springs. He enjoyed nothing more than long drives and winning a few skins. Herb always had a smile of content while golfing with his sons and friends even when he wasn't playing well. Herb's other great passion in life was attending his children and grandchildren's extra curricular events. It was the support he gave and pride he showed, that drives them to push forward each day.
Herb was preceded in death by his parents Herb and Rose Venner, his son Mike Venner and nephews Timmy Carpenter and Jerry Hansen. He is survived by his sister: Roseann (Dale) Carpenter, stepsister Jean (Dennis) Shaw and his two children; Pam (Tom) Quinn, and Mark (Trisha) Venner, his grandchildren; Donovan Venner, Turea Venner, Cassidy Venner, Kennedy Venner, and Colt Quinn, his cousin; Jean Cislo and family, his daughter-in-law Stacy (Jon) Svaleson, nephews; Dale (Twyila) Carpenter and family, Travis (Holly) Carpenter and family, David Carpenter and family, nieces; Sylvia (Mark Talon) Carpenter and family, Sheila Hansen and girls, Companion Janet Thompson. He is also survived by his special friends; Stephen (Holly) Thompson and family, Doug Thompson and family.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Genesis Health Center Staff, Highland Hospice Staff, Dr. Hueftle, Dr. Goulett and the Billings Cancer Center Staff. (You are all truly angels on earth, and the time, loving care, support and hope you gave both our Dad and our Family will be entrenched in our hearts forever.)
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at St. Patrick's Church. Family visitations will begin at 10:00 a.m. Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. A reception will be held after at The Butte Depot. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Herb's life. Any memorials may be sent to any of the following: Highland Hospice, 3703 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701, Butte Food Bank, 1019 E 2nd St, Butte, MT 59701, or the charity of the donor's choice.