Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Michael Venner Obituary
Beloved father, brother, son, husband, Michael Jude Venner, died due to a sudden illness on Monday afternoon, Aug. 14, 2006, in St. James Healthcare.
Michael was born in Butte on May 28, 1967, to Herb and Kitty Venner. He attended McKinley Grade School, North Central Junior High, and graduated from Butte Central High School in 1985. Mike attended the University of Montana and graduated from Montana Tech in computer science and business information systems.
Mike married Stacy Reed on July 2, 1994, in Butte. He managed various food services in Butte, and managed the Butte Plaza Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and most recently, the Hampton Inn, his dream job. Mike earned his Certified Hotel Administration certificate in 2005. He served on many boards and associations, including Board of Montana Innkeepers Association; Butte Convention Visitors Bureau; governor for Best Western District 2, representing Montana; and president of Butte Hotel Association for the past three years.
Mike was recognized throughout Montana as an exceptional hotel manager. He had many passions in life, but none more important than his family. Spending time with his two children was always his top priority. He was an avid golfer, ardent Grizzly fan and followed NASCAR racing.
Throughout his life, Mike ardently supported plans for Butte Economic Development and had great dreams for Butte's future. He supported local sports and youth programs.
Mike was exceptionally generous, had a gift for making people feel important and at ease, and a sense of laughter and humor even in difficult situations. Because he loved people, he had friends everywhere.
Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herb and Rose Venner, Paddy and Ann Lee, Freda and Willard Reed, Mary Horvath and Fred Venzon and Margie and Reinhard Franz; and by his aunt, Mary Foley.
He is survived by his wife, Stacy; children, Donovan and Turea; parents, Herb and Kitty Venner of Butte; sister and brother-in-law, Pam (Tom) Quinn of Butte and Mark (Trisha) Venner of Billings; aunts and uncles, Roseanne and Dale Carpenter, Melrose, Patsy and Larry Hicks, Seattle, Paddy and Marilyn Lee, Kalispell, Ed Foley Sr., and John and Kathy Lee of Butte; father-in-law, Darald Reed of Butte; mother and father-in-law, Linda and Dennis Franz of Great Falls; brother-in-law, Dennis (Paula) Reed of Great Falls; nieces and nephews, Colt Quinn, Butte, Cassidy and Kennedy Venner, Billings, Brandi and Spencer Reed, California, Joseph Maney, Great Falls; cousins, Jean Cislo, Dale Carpenter Jr., Sylvia Carpenter, Sheila Hansen, Travis and Davey Carpenter, Jeff and Mickey Cislo, Ed (Tracey) Foley Jr., Teri (Ed) Fisher, Dan Foley, Patrick Lee, John (Kate) Lee, Angie Lee.
Relatives and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in St. Ann's Catholic Church for visitations. Parish vigil services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Ann's Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Mausoleum.
Donations may be made to the Venner Children's Memorial Fund at Mile High Federal Credit Union, Box 3152, Butte, MT 59702.
Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com/obits.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Venner
Kelley Williams
September 15, 2006
Donovan, Turea, & all the Venner Family,
MIKE WAS LIKE THE STARS..... YOU DIDN'T ALWAYS SEE HIM, BUT YOU KNEW HE WAS THERE." Your Dad's memory will live on forever through all who knew him. I, for one, am very grateful that I was blessed enough to have had the opportunity to know & work for Mike. "A TRUE FRIEND IS SOMEONE WHO REACHES FOR YOUR HAND AND THEN TOUCHES YOUR HEART." Every time I think of Mike these words ring out to me. They describe Mike perfectly, and so wonderfully put. Mike you are dearly missed by all, I will never forget what I have learned from him. God Bless all of you, Donovan, Turea, & the entire Venner Family
Carol Kramer
September 15, 2006
To the Venner Family. We were gifted with memory so that we can have roses in December and have wonderful memories of our loved ones when they are gone. Thinking of all of you and hopiing your memories of Michael will help you in this time of horrible pain.
Teri Giacomino
September 15, 2006
It's been a month now without Mike, and it has been really tough at times, and other times when we get to reminiscing have been not so gloomy. Many times I have caught myself looking for Mikes fearless leadership and advice. He holds a place near and dear to my, heart. I will truley miss my friend, Mike...
Dina Fogarty Mellott
September 14, 2006
To the entire Venner family,
I am thinking of all of you in your time of sorrow. Mike was a great person who always made you feel comfortable. We used to love to talk Nascar. I even saw him during the Petty Private party at the Butte Paza Inn. I will miss him. God Bless his family, wife, and children With love, Dina (Fogarty) Mellott
How you can show support
Mary & Gary Berryman
August 27, 2006
Herb & Family:
We are saddened to hear of your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sandee Godbout-Johnson
August 26, 2006
Mike's personal history was an enduring model of how actions speak louder than words....especially when they are motivated by love, compassion, and faith. He was a wonderful friend/employer, with an awesome can do attitude. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends. Mike will be sadly missed by myself & family.
JIM & LYNETTE LEPROWSE
August 26, 2006
TO MIKE'S FAMILY:
I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE. MIKE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON WITH A GREAT PERSONALITY. PEOPLE TALK ABOUT HIS SMILE, HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE, AND IT WILL TRULY BE MISSED. WE'RE TRULY SORRY FOR YOUR FAMILY'S LOSE. LOVE AND PRAYERS
Dan and Jackie Farren
August 24, 2006
To the Venner Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during your time of loss. Mike was a great guy and gave so much to everyone. Its hard to understand when something like this happens. Just know that while he was on this earth he enjoyed each day!
tom jessen
August 23, 2006
vener family
i am very sorry for your loss
love and prayers
tom (herbie) jessen n family
Jim, Debby(Budd), & Katelyn McKinnon
August 22, 2006
Stacy & the Whole Venner Family,
Please accept my(our) condolences for your loss of Mike. He was a one of a kind man and a good friend.
Myrna Leipheimer
August 22, 2006
Our Mikie V has filled our hearts with so much love and so many special memories. When you see a special sunset, just smile because he is smiling down on all of us.
Bobbie Stewart -Chatriand
August 22, 2006
Venner Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss, Mike was a great, great person. There is no other way to explain it. He will be missed by a great number of people. My prayers are with you.
Jim Shea
August 22, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family on their loss. Mike was a year behind me in junior high and high school. Whenever we ran into each other, our conversations, no matter how long or short, were invariably dominated by Griz football. I'll miss seeing him at the games and just running into him when I'm home in Butte.
Jim & Judi McGovern
August 22, 2006
Our deepest sympathy.
Geralynn Puccinelli - Bache
August 21, 2006
My sincere condolences to the Venner family. I was shocked to hear of his sudden passing. I worked for Mike @ HOPS and he was great to work for. My thoughts & prayer are with you all.
Patsy Murray
August 20, 2006
Dear Kitty, Herbie, Pam & family.
I was so sorry to hear about Mike. My Prayers are with you all.
Patsy Murray
Kay Hickman
August 20, 2006
Dear Kitty, Herb, Pam, Mark & Staci & family ... So sorry to read of Mike and to have missed the services. You are our dear friends and are in our thoughts and prayers always. You did a super job parenting him to have him be such a special person. We love you. Kay and Roy
Scott and Julie (Evans) Johns
August 20, 2006
To the Venner Family:
We are so very sorry about the loss of Mike. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Megan Stewart
August 18, 2006
Venner family,
We were shocked to hear of such a great loss, not only to your family but to the great city of Butte. Mike was a great person and he will be missed.
Derek Hendrickson
August 18, 2006
Such a shame. I grew up across the alley from Mike, knowing him since I was 5. He was always a person that no matter what he was doing he always had a couple minutes to stop and chat. The last several times I spent time with him was when I was dealing poker and he was bartending at the Depot. He was one of those rare people that really truly never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He looked for the good in everything and everybody and never failed to find it. I will miss seeing him, which seemed like it happened everywhere, he was always involved in giving to the community. Best wishes to Pam and Mark. I haven't seen either of you in a long time and wish you all the best.
Joe Wilson
August 18, 2006
Dear Venner Family,
I was deeply saddened, as was all of the hospitality industry in Montana, to hear of Mike's untimely and tragic passing. Mike was an enthusiastic and important part of the Montana Innkeepers Board, and his absence will be felt within the entire organization. MIke will always have a special place in my memory.
I wish for all your family the faith to provide the healing of this wound and peace within yourselves.
Ron James
August 18, 2006
Venner Gang,
I am absolutely devastated over this mind-numbing loss of the “brother I never had”. Mike’s ever-forgiving, unselfish and can-do nature will be missed. I know my mom felt extremely blessed to know I was “cruising the drag” with Mike knowing that together we wouldn’t get it too much trouble.
Kitty, as I try to understand why this happened and why my friend was taken… I find no answers. To help myself, I think of the happy times which brings a smile to my face. So, I hope this memory makes you smile….
You have three hungry boys in your house (Mike, Ron James and Chris Stuart). Kitty is nice enough to cook up some tacos for us all. As I take my first bite I think, “What the hell did Kitty do to these tacos”? “Mike did your mom pour a ton of salt into the meat”? As Mike’s face grimaces with his first bite he gets up to see what his mom had done. Stuy seems unphased and continues to eat. Mike then holds up the paper that wrapped the meat which read “Pork Sausage”.
Mike’s reply with a large smile was “Ahh Kitty, You gotta love her and you know I do”.
That’s the Mike I remember, cherish, love and call brother.
Love,
"Ronny John" James
Daniel Murphy
August 18, 2006
Venner Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Mike. Although I have not seen him in many years, the memories we shared as classmates at McKinley school will forever be etched in my mind.
My sincerest wish is that the memory of Mike as a wonderful husband and father will carry you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Daniel Murphy
Rose and Dan Shea
August 18, 2006
Kitty, Pam, Bubba and all of the Venner, Lee, Foley families~
Words cannot describe the deep saddness I feel in my heart for you from the sudden passing of truly a wonderful person as Mike. Mike will be deeply missed and remembered by all whom he touched with his special way of making everyone feel important. I feel very lucky and fortunate to have known Mike and experienced his compassion and caring ways for everyone...along with his million dollar smile! The memories that you have of Mike will hopefully get you through the days ahead. Kitty, you and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I will always be here for you...
Kelly (Sullivan) and Logan Smith
August 18, 2006
Dear Kitty, Herb, Pam, Bubba, Stacey, Donovan and Turea,
Our love and prayers to each of you. We're so grateful for the memories we have of Mike, and hope you will find some comfort in your own happy memories of this truly exceptional man. His love of life and his generous spirit will remain with us and inspire us forever. How very lucky we all are to have known him. Thanks for your friendship Mike. Chow.
Bev & Mert Riley
August 18, 2006
Kitty, Herb, Pam, Stacy and Children
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time. May you find peace in your wonderful memories. God Bless you
Sincere sympathy Bev & Mert Riley
Karen Corbin
August 18, 2006
Herb, Kitty, Pammy, Bubba, Stacey, Donovan and my Tur-ray-ray...
Words cannot describe the pain in my heart over the loss of my dearest friend 'Ven-Dog' /'Eddie Munster' ! What a true friend who always greeted me with a hug and a kiss and a 'hello Mama'! I cannot remember not knowing Mike and that has been a true blessing for me. From McKinley to the Days of our Lives Club at Tech to Missoula to his wedding to the birth of his kids I have been fortunate to be a part of his life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. We all have a million Mike stories of which Donovan and Turea will hear them all! They are truly blessed to have the BEST dad in the world! I love you Mike!
Corbie "Mama Corbinstein"
Kelly Kleppe (Hickman)
August 18, 2006
Venner Family,
My family and the Venners spent time together as children, mainly in Butte. Some of my favorite memories are of 4th of July at Herb and Kitty's with Mike, Pam, and Mark. I haven't seen them for years, but keep up to speed with their lives through my parents. I want you to know that you are in my prayers, and that I grieve your loss.
Tom & Terri (Thomas) Cronnelly
August 18, 2006
Venner Family,
Terri and I are extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Mike. I have known Mike for many years and will truly miss him. Over the years, we always stayed at Mike's hotels. He made certain there was always room at the inn!
Since Mike had such a broad network of friends and contacts, he was always able to share updates on mutual friends. Visiting Mike was part of every trip to Montana. He was often the first and last person we would see in town during our travels. We will miss the stories and his friendship.
For us and many others, every visit to Butte in the future will invoke memories of Mike and how fortunate we were to have known him.
Julie (Datres) Gannon
August 17, 2006
Stacy, Pam, Mark and All of the Venner Family,
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of Mike on Monday. You and all of your family have been in my thoughts and prayers continually. It is such a tragedy to lose someone so fast it goes beyond words. Mike was such a great person. He and his smile will never be forgotten. I was fortunate that I would ususally see Mike when I made it to Butte. I do have to say that my brother, Jeff, was probably pretty happy to see Mike coming through those Pearly Gates. His old golfing buddy! So just remember, whenever you hear a little "rumble" from up above, it's Mike and the boys sinking another putt!
Tom/Jackie Kingston
August 17, 2006
Pam, Mark and Family:
We were fortunate enough to see Mike at Lunch in the Park when we were home this summer, as always he had a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Kelly
August 17, 2006
Venner family, I am truly sorry for the passing of Mike. I had known him from McKinley days and always found him to be a great person and a true joy to be around. The last time we spoke it was all about his children and the joy in his face was very memorable. Mike will be truly missed but never forgotten. My prayers are with the family.
Bruce Wilson
August 17, 2006
Dear Venner family,
Mike made a weary traveler feel right at home, with his warm smile, and personal attention. He was a good man, and truly unforgetable.I will miss you Mike.
BIG DADDY
August 17, 2006
Mike was the greatest guy and real kick in the pants! He made me laugh till I cried. He always treated me like a celebrity and I will never forget him or his kindness. Devastating tragedy is the first thing I think of when I think of Mike Venner's death. He was too young, too nice, and too important to die. I will always miss him. I am furious at his death. I know in time that will fade but my memory of him and the hysterical times we shared will never fade. I may never have told him but I truly loved him.
Bing Opie
August 17, 2006
Stacy, Bubba, Trish and the Venner Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike was a great person and a friend through thick and thin and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Peter Chapin
August 17, 2006
Stacy, Donovan, Turea, and Family:
I am very sorry to hear about Mike. He was a great person, and will always be remembered for his excellent personality. I could not have asked for a better boss!
Hayley Craddock
August 17, 2006
Stacy,
Please know my thoughts are with you at this time of great loss. I am so sorry for your loss of Mike. Take care.
Hayley Craddock
Shannon Cooney (Giacomino)
August 17, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Steve Ashby
August 17, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Mike was a wonderful person and I will miss playing golf with him when I am in town. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Terry lynn Buchanan
August 17, 2006
Even though you don't know us we met Mike at a football game, immediately he made us feel welcomed from the other side of the country. He was truly a gentleman and we know you'll miss him greatly, so sorry for your loss. Terry and Jim (aka chickenman) Buchanan UofD Newark, Delaware
George Holland
August 17, 2006
Mike's Family,
Words can't justify the loss of Mike. I have known Mike since 7th grade at North Central, his personality has always been the same as long as I knew him. Mike was the essential "people person", and I never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. My only regret is that I wasn't closer to him lately. Work gets in the way of a lot of good friendships, and this I regret.
My thoughts any prayers go out to you all.
Corey Dunstan
August 17, 2006
Herb, Kitty, Pam, Mark and Family -
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this difficult time.
Mike Morgan
August 17, 2006
Stacy and The Venner Family,
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed running into Mike, he was a great person. My thoughts are with you all.
Tiffany Roesti
August 17, 2006
To the entire Venner Family, we are so very sorry for your unbelievable loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With Love, The Roesti Family
Lola Lyle
August 17, 2006
Stacey, Herb, Kitty and family--
Although words cannot take away the pain of your tragic and sudden loss of Mike, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
Julie (Pedersen) Seedhouse
August 17, 2006
Kitty, Herb, Pam, Tom, Bubba, and Trish, my heart is just broken for you all. Mike was an incredible man, and I am so sorry for your loss. You are constantly in my thoughts.
Kate Stetzner
August 17, 2006
Dear Stacy, Herb and family,
There are no words to describe this terrible tragedy. During my Butte visits this summer, I had the pleasure of staying at the Hampton and talking with Mike and the kids. God works in mysterious ways. You are all in my prayers!
Nancy Traeger
August 17, 2006
Dear Stacy, Kitty, and family, It is 8:30 on Thursday morning and I just read Michael's name in the Billings paper. My heart aches for each of you in the loss of this wonderful young man. My love and prayers are with each of you today. Kitty, I will be in Butte to see you soon.
Love, Nancy
Teri Giacomino
August 17, 2006
Donovan, Turea, Stacy and the Venner Family
I worked for Mike at the Hampton, and have never worked for a nicer more understanding guy. He was the best boss I've had the pleasure of working for. More than that Mike was a great friend, always willing to talk, no matter what it was about. His cheery smile, great personality, and fearless leadership will be missed by everyone. I will especially miss his whistle as he walked around the office, it will never be the same. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of your family. The world lost one of it's greatest treasures.
Penny Monier
August 17, 2006
Butte has lost some of it's charm for me. I always looked forward to seeing mike on my many visits there. He was a great person, a great friend and a great business partner. I will miss him terrible.
Roger Wilmoth
August 17, 2006
Mike was a special person. As visitors to Butte from Cincinnati, we quickly formed an attachment to him. He always made us feel welcome and we considered him a friend. We followed him with our business from the Butte Plaza Inn to the Holiday Inn. He was a true friend and mentor to my son Mike, who graduated from Tech. My personal family and my EPA family extend our sincere symapathy for your tragic loss.
Jessie & Larry Walter
August 17, 2006
Dear Venner Family,
Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We have few memories of the BPI days that do not include Mike. What a caring, warm, and bright person he was. It goes without saying that he will be greatly missed by the entire community. Please accept our condolences.
Robert & Claire Black
August 17, 2006
We had the pleasure of meeting Mike during our recent stay in Butte. He took very good care of us. We appreciate the opportunity of meeting him and mourn with you for the great loss.
Christie Anderson
August 17, 2006
Pam and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Mike was a such a lovely, charasmatic, and enlightened person with an incredibly strong spirit. Your loss and grief must be beyond words and we will miss Mike terribly.
Love,
Christie, Paxton and Ella
St James
August 17, 2006
Venner Family,
The thoughts of the night shift nurses at St. James are with you.
Chris Zahn
August 17, 2006
Sorry to hear of your lose, I really enjoyed working with Mike
Lynn, Dennis, Jon and Cyril Ehresman
August 16, 2006
Dear Venner Family,
Mike helped our family with reservations at the Inn last May when my son graduated from Tech (with help from Trish and Mark also). Although I didn't meet Mike, his work showed in the quality of the Inn- as well as through those who loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jess (Butte Plaza Inn)
August 16, 2006
Venner family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike stopped by the Butte Plaza Inn quite often, and I never saw him without a smile on his face. When his two sweet children were with him, he would always laugh and play with them. They were so happy to be with their daddy! Although I did not know Mike very well, I saw that he was a great father and a very warm, kind and friendly person.
Gary Hanley
August 16, 2006
Mike's Family and Friends,
How lucky we were to be within his circle of life. He made us feel that he was fortunate to be in our company. WE WERE THE FORTUNATE ONES!
He is much loved and greatly missed!
Sandy Brown
August 16, 2006
Stacy and family, I will always remember Mike's great friendship with my brother Kelly and the rest of my family. He was generous, kind , and loving. His smile will be something I always remember. I am so sorry for your loss. I hold you in my prayers. Sandy Burgess Brown
Wendi Hunt
August 16, 2006
Stacy, Donovan, Turea and the entire Venner Family,
It is with a sad and heavy heart that we send our thoughts and prayers to you all. Mike was a good man, fantastic father and "best friend" to many. We will miss him, his sense of humor and his generosity. May you find comfort in this time of sorrow. God Bless,
Bryan, Wendi, Devin and McKenzie Hunt
August 16, 2006
I never saw this great man without a smile on his face, and he NEVER had anything bad to say about anyone...you will be missed my friend...GOD BLESS!
Jenifer (Burby) Hanley
August 16, 2006
Herb, Kitty, Pam, Bubba, and Stacey,
Mike was a truly amazing person and will live on forever in his children. The constant smile on his face is what I will remember the most. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers!
Nichole Burby
August 16, 2006
Dear Venner Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you now and will forever be.
Lon & Glenda Bundy
August 16, 2006
We hope our caring will make your sorrow easier to bear.We hope that time will ease the sorrow of your recent loss.We know that memories will keep keep your loved one close to you.
Sister Roberta O'Leary
August 16, 2006
Dear Kitty, Herb, Pam and Mark,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I have great memories of Mike as a student at North Central and during his high school years. He was a wonderful young man. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Sister Roberta O'Leary, SCL
Lansing, Kansas
Bobbi (Steffan) Hamilton
August 16, 2006
Pam and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Klaire Miller-Vogt
August 16, 2006
Dear Venner Family,
I am sending my deepest sympathy during this time. You are in my thoughts!
Friends of the Pipers
August 16, 2006
To the Venner Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the memories carry you through.
Friends of the Pipers and the
Edmonton Police Service Pipe & Drum Band
Shawn,Patty and Dylan Wine
August 16, 2006
Stacy, Donovan,and Turea and the Venner Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a very good person and he donated alot of his time to his family and friends. We will miss him at the Taekwondo Tournaments.
Elisa LaFromboise
August 16, 2006
TO MY "BOSS OF THE YEAR"
I had the pleasure of working with - and for - Mike. I feel extremely blessed that I was able to get to know the person I will always consider to be the best boss I ever had. He was a very positive factor in many peoples' lives. And he wrote neater than anyone I ever knew. ;-) I will miss you dearly Mike. With deepest sympathies to Stacy, Donovan, Turea, Kitty, Pam and Bubba.
-Elisa LaFromboise
Julie (St. Pierre) Heimark
August 16, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Venner family during this difficult time. Mike was a great person and will be missed dearly.
Al, Carrie, Chelsea and Mckeale Anderson
August 16, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tina Sternod-Locke
August 16, 2006
Venner Family,
My deepest sympathy is with you and yours. I went to school with Mike at North and BCHS. He will always have a special place in my heart as he was always willing to step up and help out with anything you might have needed. He was loved/liked by all who knew or met him.
Mark & Pam Higinbotham
August 16, 2006
My deepest condolences to the Venner family. Mike was always a great friend and we will miss him.
Dennis & Janet Clague
August 16, 2006
Mike touched so many lives with his smile and joy of life. I haven't seen Mike in years, but can immediately call up his smile and laugh. Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. He will be remembered.
Teri Zanto
August 16, 2006
Dear Venner Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It is such a shock to lose someone so young.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn when we went back home to visit family. When my husband's band (Sho-down) played at the Depot, Mike would put them up at the hotel and they were always treated so generously!!! Mike was always at the concerts, helping out, with that hugh smile on his face. It is so hard to believe he is gone. I just want to let you all know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!
God Bless, Teri(Harrington)Zanto and Family
Sister Anita Sullivan
August 16, 2006
Please accept my sincere prayers and sympathy at the death of Mike. I remember Mike well from our days at North Central. The suddenness of his death adds to your sorrow. Please know I hold you in prayer.
Brenda
August 16, 2006
Mike was a GREAT Man! He had a passion for life and his children. My prayers go out to his family.
We all will miss him!
Ronald Triner
August 16, 2006
My deepest condolences to the Venner family. I enjoyed the few times I golfed with him and Kelly Burgess. Ronald "Badger" Triner, Kennewick, Wa. rdtrins @charter.net
Glade Jennings
August 16, 2006
To the Venner Family,
My deepest sympathy. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike while living in the hotel, he was always friendly and kind. I will miss chatting with him while in town.
He will be missed by everybody.
Kelly Hanni
August 16, 2006
Stacy, Donovan & Turea and Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time. We will sure miss him but know that he will carry on in Donovan & Turea. We all know he will be watching the Nascar races up with #3! Rest in Peace our Friend!
The Hanni's
Cindy Winston
August 16, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathies at this time. We are truly sorry for the loss of an extraordinary man as a father, son and brother. Not only was he a kind and gentle man, but a TRUE FRIEND to my husband, my self and my children. John and I along with our families will ALWAYS be here for the Venner Family now and in the future. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers~
John, Cindy, Tucker and Grady Winston
Jill (Leipheimer) Leonard
August 16, 2006
To the Venner Family,
My deepest sympathy. You will be in my thoughts and prayers today and for the months to come. I, too, treasure memories of Mike's positive attitude and love of life! These attributes will be a reminder to us all to carry Mike's spirit with us daily.
Greg and Joani Hanley
August 16, 2006
Many of us have been blessed by the touch of Mike. He is a friend that will be remembered and remain close to our hearts forever. Thank you for being part of our lives. We love you.
Renee' Michaud Overbeck
August 16, 2006
To the Venner family:
My deepest condolences on your loss. I went to High School with Mike and he was truly loved by all. We will miss him dearly! My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great sorrow!
Mary Anne Metcalfe King
August 16, 2006
Dearest Cousin Kitty, I am so sincerely sorry for
the loss of your wonderful son. Please know you
are in my thoughts and prayers. May you feel the
peace of Christ now and always. Love and God bless your entire family.
Patti Driscoll
August 16, 2006
Kitty, Herb, Pam, Mark and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. God Bless - Patti and Joe Driscoll
Michelle Cummings
August 16, 2006
Bubba, Trisha and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Love,
Michelle Cummings
Danette Driscoll
August 16, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to Stacy, Donovan and Tureah as well as the whole Venner Family.
I worked with Mike at the Holiday Inn Express for 3 years and he is by far one of my favorite people in the world. Not only was he a great boss and friend but he was also a wonderful father. He will truly be missed by many people across the state of Montana.
Eddie Stergar
August 16, 2006
Mike was an incredible and wonderful person, one of the nicest guys that I think I have ever met. His smile and laugh brought smiles to all of the people around him. My deepest sympathy goes out to his immediate family, brother Mark (Bubba) and mom (Kitty) and father (Herb). Mike will always be in my prayers!
Holly Luck
August 16, 2006
Senator Baucus has asked me to extend his deepest sympathy to Mike's family. How I enjoyed visiting with Mike on business or other matters. I knew him briefly but enjoyed each encounter. rest in peace, my new friend.
Julie Reichle
August 16, 2006
Stacy and family -
We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the memories of the good times bring you peace.
Sincerely, Julie (Kriskovich), Katelyn, and Howie Reichle
Phyllis Costello
August 16, 2006
Stacy & Family,
I was so sorry to hear about your husband. Words never cover anything at this time. You, with your children, are in my thoughts.
Stacey (Burton) Taylor
August 16, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. I was very lucky to have met and worked with such an amazing person-Mike will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Beverly Ostoj
August 16, 2006
Stacy and family, Wishing you comfort and peace at this difficult time. It's harad to accept what God's plans are, but he loans us only for a little while then we must go home again. Mike is now at peace and nothing and no one can hurt him again.
Dina (Muffich) Van Gelder
August 16, 2006
Dear Kitty,Pam,and Bubba
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. Mike was a great person and always fun to be around. I have a lot of fun memories of Mike during our times in high school and college. Infact I had the opportunity to see him this year at Evel Knievel days and he still had his smile and great attitude. He will be sadly missed by very many people. May he rest in peace.
Mark Ashby
August 16, 2006
I offer my condolences to the entire Venner family on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Kelly
August 16, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Pam and family. Mike was a great guy and a pleasure to deal with when in need of hotel accommodations. May he rest in peace and may the Lord comfort the entire family at such a difficult time.
Showing 1 - 100 of 140 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Venner's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Venner
People and places connected with Michael
Butte, MT
The Montana Standard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Michael's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Venner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
