Clarice E. Venechuk, 94, of Grafton passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at the Good Samaritan Society in St. Ansgar.
The daughter of Elmer and Gladys (Benedict) Bowers, Clarice Evon was born October 6, 1928 in Mason City. She attended and graduated from Mason City High School among the class of 1947.
Clarice was united in marriage to Jack Venechuk on August 29, 1948 in Mason City. They were blessed with two children, Cindy and Sam. In 1955 the family moved from Mason City to Grafton, quickly settling into what became their family home for over 60 years.
Clarice and Jack enjoyed dancing, traveling, fishing trips and wintering in Arizona.
Clarice enjoyed singing, playing piano, playing card games, whether it be Solitaire, Spite and Malice with her sister Jo or teaching and playing various games to her grandchildren. In her free time, she would be found making floral arrangements, painting, and working with ceramics. In the last few years of her life, she loved coloring and sharing that hobby with Sam’s granddaughters. Kara affectionately gave Clarice the title of Big Grandma when she learned to sign and then talk. Big Grandma delighted in giving them ice cream when they came to visit, even if it was 10 A.M.
Those grateful in sharing in her life include her son, Sam (Shelly) Venechuk, of Northwood;
Their children, Katie (Ryan) Vandewalker, Samuel Venechuk and Nicole Venechuk;
Grandchildren, Bill (Cheryl) Retterath, Buck (Jolene) Retterath, Ben (Jennifer) Retterath; She was a beloved Big Grandma to Kara, Maddie, and Eva Pearl, and great grandma to Carter, Megan and Zoey; Jenna, Rayna and Lily; Anna and Sophie. Clarice is also survived by her sister, Jo (Jerry) Buechele; and extended family.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Jack; daughter, Cindy (Gene) Retterath; granddaughter, Jennifer Retterath; granddaughter in law, Keri Retterath; and brother, Bud (Coke) Bowers.
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