Jeanette Faye Venske, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin—October 8, 1929 to January 18, 2024

On Thursday morning, January 18, 2024, Jeanette Venske saw Jesus face to face. Leaving behind the body that, in recent months, had chained her to a hospice bed and to this earth, she ran into heaven and the arms of her beloved Savior. This was the culmination of her life and work. And although this was undoubtedly her most glorious encounter with Jesus, it was by no means her first.

She was the second of nine children born in Milwaukee to Edward, a tailor, and Gertrude (Nicholls) Boucher, a force of nature. A creative problem solver and the family "drill sergeant," Jeanette kept the troops in line and organized daily work details. But beyond that, her efficiency, organizational skills, and disciplined personal habits left her siblings in awe and inspired them to follow her example. They emulated her beautiful handwriting, the way she dressed and did her hair, her comportment, and her commitment to excellence.

In her youth, Jeanette saw Jesus in a loving neighbor's life, and she wanted to meet Jesus for herself. She did, and at the old Milwaukee Gospel Tabernacle, the drill sergeant swore allegiance to a new Commander. Her siblings—and her mother—followed her to church and chose to follow Jesus too.

In time, Jeanette set out for Rhode Island to attend Zion Bible Institute, a faith school that trained men and women for Christian ministry. Unsurprisingly, most of her siblings followed her—and later, so did her daughter. There, they learned to trust God to provide for their needs. They also grew through musical and ministry opportunities at the school as they prepared for lives of Christian service. But they also continued to learn much from their exemplary sister.

Jeanette married tall, handsome Reverend William Venske, and the couple embarked on a life of ministry together. They pastored churches in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, and Ironwood, Michigan, where their daughter, Kris, was born. At each church, Jeanette's siblings often pitched in, practicing their preaching, teaching, musical, and leadership skills. Jeanette and Bill later pastored in Ladysmith, Menomonee Falls, Marinette, and Antigo, Wisconsin. They also ministered in Worcester, Massachusetts, Long Beach, California, and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

Far beyond those places, they impacted almost every city in Wisconsin—especially the children—through two special ministries. The first was Spencer Lake Bible Camp, where Jeanette and Bill were both working when they met. Through the years, the pair had their hands in almost every aspect of running the camps—operating the popular concession stand and overseeing the kitchen, office, camp newspaper, and children's programs. As Features and Decorations Coordinator, Jeanette worked hard to transform every camp offering into a unique, colorful, coordinated, and memorable experience. Her children's services went beyond spectacle to genuine life transformation. Her exciting themes, backdrops, and "goody boxes" drew children in; her dramatic, cliff-hanger stories kept them on the edge of their seats and coming back for more. The Word of the Lord that was hidden in their hearts through Bible teaching and Scripture songs continues to produce fruit to this day.

This same creative and exciting approach to Bible teaching breathed life into Jeanette and Bill's second special ministry—kids' crusades. Between Ironwood and Ladysmith, the Venske family traveled full time. They spent each week in a different church and city, retreating to her parents' house on weekends to recharge and prepare for the next life-changing meetings.

Jeanette also had a special spot in her heart for the elderly. Long after others their age had retired, Jeanette and Bill directed senior camps at Spencer Lake Bible Camp. Jeanette spent her ministry years leading people to see Jesus. She never retired from that ministry, preaching her final "sermons" and living out lessons on faithfulness to God, grace, endurance, and joy from her hospice bed.

Jeanette was an even better person than minister. Her lovely soprano voice was strong and true, invariably singing praises to her Lord. She graced herself—and her surroundings—with style, class, poise, and beauty. Her laugh was infectious. Her smile of approval was a reward in itself. She was truthful, even when it hurt. She was loyal, even when it wasn't reciprocated. Even those who never attended a kids' crusade, camp meeting, or church service could see Jesus in Jeanette. Like Jesus, Jeanette was a giver, a prayer warrior, and an encourager.

While still a teenager, Jeanette gave her siblings their first real taste of Christmas, using the money earned at her first job to buy each a thoughtful and treasured gift. Jeanette never stopped giving. She was always collecting resources, thought-provoking messages, and treasures small and large to share with others, to the point that Bill referred to their garage as "The Distribution Center." If you ever received a Bible, an illustrated Bible story or song, a card, a tasty goody, an item of clothing, or a two-dollar bill from Jeanette, you can be sure that she loved and prayed for you. If you can still sing "Let's Sing a Bible Verse" or any of the many Bible songs she taught, know that she has given you an even greater gift.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and siblings Eunice Wells, Edward Boucher, Barbara Bloedow, June Davis, and Louise Boucher. She is survived by her beloved daughter Kris (Rex) Bornman; grandsons Jeremy and Jared (Brooke) Bornman; siblings Louis Boucher, Gerti (Kirby) Weeden, and Sandra (Joe) Miller; and many other much-loved relatives and friends. Special thanks to dear friend Lois Anderson for her faithful assistance and fellowship through the years.

As per Jeanette's request, no funeral service will be held. However, to honor her life, please consider what you can do to continue Jeanette's legacy of giving, praying, encouraging, and helping people to see Jesus. Additionally, consider giving money that might have been spent on flowers or travel to a funeral to support the vital ministry of Jeanette's daughter and son-in-law. You can make a real difference by giving a one-time (or recurring) gift to Rex and Christine Bornman, Intercultural Ministries, account # 236902, at giving.ag.org/donate. The only thing that would delight Jeanette more is the assurance that she will see each of you in heaven someday.

We want to see Jesus! —John 12:21 NLV

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS