Stephen James Venarchick

Stephen James Venarchick, 74, of Hardeeville, South Carolina, formerly Maple Grove and St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away on December 11, 2025, into his Father’s (Abba) arms after a courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born on January 30, 1951, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from Harding High School in St. Paul in 1969. Steve briefly attended University of Wisconsin-River Falls before serving in the U.S. Army from January 1971 through April 1974, including a tour in Vietnam.

Following his discharge from the Army, Steve returned to UW-River Falls and graduated in 1979 with degrees in Business Administration and Psychology. Steve had three professional careers, first in the printing and publishing fields, then in the golf industry and finally, he retired from a security position at the Minneapolis airport. In retirement, Steve returned to work in the golf industry, on the grounds crew at Pheasant Acres Golf Course and, during the winter months, as an assistant at the Voyage Healthcare clinic, both of which he truly enjoyed.

Steve is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Simon Venarchick and his fiancé, Amyjo Mann; and bonus grandchildren, Chase, Bella, Hunter and Peyton Spicer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Paul and sister, Joan Venarchick. His loves in life were God, his wife, son and grandchildren, followed by golf, fishing and his many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Steve has left a legacy of love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the faith he had; his love of his wife, Nancy, with all his heart and how he cared for her; his love of his son, Simon, with all the fatherly love one can give a son; his commitment to all who called him a friend; and his care for and willingness to serve others. Steve’s adventurous spirit, servant’s heart and love for his family and friends will be profoundly missed.

By the Grace of God, Steve endured many trials and tribulations in his earthly life, not the least of which was his final battle with cancer, but those have now ended, and he is resting in the arms of his Savior with no more death, sorrow or pain (Revelation 21:4).

Celebrations of Life to honor Steve will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Red Dam Baptist Church, 488 Red Dam Church Road, Hardeeville, SC 29927; and at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Victory Baptist Church, 13560 63rd Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55311, with visitation one hour prior to each service. Full military honors will be provided. The service in Minnesota will be livestreamed and can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/@vbcmaplegrove8995

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the church of your choice, Friends of Caroline Hospice in Ridgeland, South Carolina, or the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.