Vivion Vener

Vivion J. "V.J." Vener, age 94, of Sauk Centre, formerly of Ward Springs, died Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at the Getty Street Assisted Living in Sauk Centre.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2009 at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Richard Walz officiating. Interment will be in St. Bernard's Cemetery in Ward Springs.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church in Grey Eagle.

Vivion James Vener was born September 15, 1914 in BirchdaleTownship, Todd County, Minnesota to John and Cecilia (Paggi) Vener. On June 16, 1938 he was united in marriage to Mary Joyce Kaliher at the Church of the Incarnation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The couple farmed in Ward Springs until their retirement in 1984. They moved to Melrose in 1987 and V.J. spent the last two years residing at the Getty Street Assisted Living in Sauk Centre.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle, and a former member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Ward Springs. V.J.'s main interests were traveling and hunting.

Survivors include his children, Dr. John (Corinne) Vener of Grey Eagle, and Gene (Lynne) Vener of Little Birch Lake; nine grandchildren, Dr. Michael (Kim) Vener, Jim Vener, Anne Karl, Jack Vener, Tim Vener, Katie Vener, Rob Engelman, Kim Engelman, and Kristi (Bob) Francisco; and five great-grandchildren, Erin, Vinz, Michelle, Tom, and Mary Elizabeth.

V.J. was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Joyce Vener on February 9, 1998; daughter, Dr. Mary Beth Engelman; and eight brothers and sisters, Cecilia, Frank, Gertrude, Sister Dolorata, Joe, Mary, Elsie, and Bill.In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the charity of your choice.