Peter Venema

Peter Venema, age 86, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2012 at the Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Hospital in Saginaw, following a brief illness. Peter was born January 1, 1926 in Grand Rapids, the son of the late Clarence & Edith (VeJong) Venema. Peter joined the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in Europe. During that time, he was united in marriage with the former Pearl L. Smith on July 11, 1945. Following the war, they lived in the Caro area before moving to their Hurds Corner Road home near Cass City. Pearl preceded Peter in death on February 7, 2003. For many years, they attended the Hillside Gospel Hall Church next to their home, and later attended the Colwood United Brethren Church in Caro. For many years, Peter was a truck driver for Dow Chemical Company in Midland. Peter is survived by five children and their spouses, Allen Venema of Buffalo, New York, Calvin D. Venema of Cass City, Doreen & John Asher of Fort Myers, Florida, Edwin & Pame Venema of Scottsdale, Arizona, Frank Venema of Cass City; thirteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Maynard and Fred Venema; three sisters, Sylvia Heilborn, Mary Smith, Gertrude Hendricks; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Peter was preceded in death by an infant son, Bruce Venema in 1949 and by three sisters, Margaret, Genevieve and Janet. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2012 at the Colwood United Brethren Church with Pastor Jason Garwood officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Saginaw. The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Living Waters, 9702 East Hwy. 221, Pine Mountain, Kentucky 40810. Visitation Information Date: Thursday, October 4, 2012 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Service Information Date: Friday, October 5, 2012 Time: 11:00 am Colwood Church Address: 1840 N. Colwood Road Caro, MI 48723 989-673-3274 | Map