Edwin H. Venis, 86, of Wood County, Ohio, passed away on February 4, 2024 at Parkcliffe Community in Northwood, Ohio.
He was born on “Pancake Hill” in Webster Township on December 5, 1937 to Bernard Ward Venis and Alma Mae (Phillips) Venis. Known to everyone as “Ed,” he was a dignified man committed to both work and family. He liked to sing, and he enjoyed the fellowship of expressing himself through music in church choirs. He found solace and community in the Pemberville Presbyterian Church.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-six years, Margaret (Wight) Venis, and by five children: James Venis (wife Jalynn), Mark Venis, Sally Ellis (husband Edward), Douglas Venis (wife Tina), and Cynthia Kennedy (husband Brian). Also surviving are ten grandchildren: Nicholas Venis, Chelsee Venis, Nathaniel Ellis (wife Giselle), Jessie Ellis-Sullivan (husband Peter), Amanda Ellis, Joshua Kennedy, Chase Kennedy, Ashley Klein (husband Michael), Thomas Mann (partner Rachel Swope), and Christine Mann. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren: Wilder Venis, Gideon Ellis, Isaac Ellis, Raelyn Swope, and Landon Swope. Also surviving are two brothers, Lee Venis, and Emery Venis, as well as several cousins and a large number of nieces and nephews and their families. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and by brother David Venis and sister Donna Tolmie. Two grandchildren also preceded Ed in death: William Richard Venis and Gregory Wendell Ellis.
In his professional life, Ed served as Shipping and Receiving Manager for decades at the American-Lincoln plant (under various corporate names) in Bowling Green. He was known for his competence, dedication, and strong work ethic. He also did some farming that involved livestock, small grains, and hay. He was proud of his stewardship of the family land.
Ed had a love of old westerns, both in the form of paperback books and television. The “Gunsmoke” series was a particular favorite; truly, it was remarkable how many times he could re-watch those episodes on DVD!
Family and friends will be received 4-7 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home 4094 State Route 105, Pemberville, OH. A service to honor Ed’s life will be held at First United Presbyterian Church of Pemberville 106 Perry Street, on Friday, February 9, at 11:00 a.m., officiating Pr. Jim Miller and Rev. Ed Ellis. Interment will follow at the Webster Township Cemetery north of Scotch Ridge. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Diabetes Association, or the Wood County Committee on Aging.
Ed will be deeply missed by all who knew him, though his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
