Evelyn Venner

Evelyn Venner, 96, of Agar, passed away Thursday, August 18, 2011 at Maryhouse in Pierre, SD.

Funeral service were held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 26, 2011 at the Agar Hall, Agar, SD with Pastor Jeff Adel officiating. Burial followed at the Onida Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 25, 2011 followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the United Methodist Church, Agar, SD.

Evelyn was born July 1, 1915 to Fred H. and Mary (Jones) Kirkham at Houghton, South Dakota. She attended grade school and a year and half of high school at Houghton, one year at Barnard, then went to Britton where she graduated. Evelyn went to Huron College for two years.

She taught in a Powell Township school south of Ipswich for four years in an eight month school term for $60.00 per month. She was hired to teach in Agar in 1941, teaching the upper grades. It was here she met a young serviceman, Leonard Venner; after World War II they were married at Britton, South Dakota on February 10, 1946.

One day, after the house they were renting was sold, Leonard suggested that they build their own house. After much planning, construction began. When they ran out of money, they waited until the next year to start again. In 1952, after the death of her father, Evelyn’s mother, Mary Kirkham, came to live with them for nine years.

Evelyn taught for several years. She had high school music as an “extra” and enjoyed working with soloists and ensembles, too. She played piano and organ at church, helped with the choir and other church activities.

In 1949, she was asked to direct a newly-organized ladies chorus. Participants enjoyed singing at local events, State Fair, Mt. Rushmore and state and one national meeting.

She was a charter member of the Agar American Legion Auxiliary, the Methodist Church since 1946, and an early library board member. She and Leonard worked at Yellowstone Park for three summers, a job they really enjoyed. After purchasing a small trailer, they enjoyed many vacations to all states, even Alaska. They spent 12 winters in South Texas near Weslaco.

Evelyn enjoyed gardening and raising flowers. After Leonard had a severe stroke in 1998, she took care of him at her home until 2003. Evelyn continued being active in her church, the American Legion Auxiliary and her community. At the Maryhouse in Pierre, she participated in many activities and made many more friends.

Survivors include many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; two brothers, Fred and Robert Kirkham; and two sisters, Dorothy Hamby and Margaret Jacox.

Memorial can be directed to the Agar Methodist Church Mission Fund and mailed to the Evelyn Venner Family, PO Box 34, Agar, SD 57520.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Evelyn’s arrangements.