Father Kenneth J. “Ken” Venvertloh
Father Kenneth J. “Ken” Venvertloh, age 73, of Quincy, IL, died on Friday, October 19, 2012 in Blessing Hospital. He was born on June 1, 1939 in Quincy, the son of Ferdie & Elizabeth (Grawe) Venvertloh. He was ordained on May 20, 1967 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, Illinois.
Fr. Venvertloh attended Western Illinois University for two years, Holy Cross for Priests at Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN for a year of discernment, and the Latin School in Springfield before completing his philosophical and theological studies at St. John’s Seminary in Little Rock. Father Ken served as Pastor at St. Mary Parish in Quincy for many years and subsequently served as Pastor at Our Saviour Parish in Jacksonville, IL. Fr. Ken also served parishes in Charleston, Edwardsville, Stonington, Macon, Virginia, Beardstown, Arenzville and Ashland. He was an active participant in the Cursillo movement. Fr. Venvertloh was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. Fr. Venvertloh served on various boards, including Quincy Notre Dame High School, Routt Catholic High School, and the Blessing Hospital Chaplaincy program, as well as numerous other civic and parochial associations.
Father Ken is survived by:
FOUR SIBLINGS: Dianne Fessler and husband Larry of Greeley, CO; Linda Rull of Quincy; Dale Venvertloh and wife Marty of Quincy; and Jan Zeidler and husband Rich of Quincy.
TEN NIECES & NEPHEWS: Mark Fessler and wife Elena; Michelle Kerr and husband Don; Deborah Mersino and husband Theodore; Scott Venvertloh and wife Isa; Craig Venvertloh and wife Janet; Kyle Venvertloh and wife Kim; Derek Venvertloh and wife Morgan; Matt Zeidler and wife Stephanie; Beth Schreiter and husband Bryan; and Chris Zeidler.
AN AUNT: Betty Zanger
Numerous great nieces and great nephews along with other relatives survive.
Father Ken was preceded in death by his parents, a brother-in-law, Marvin Rull; and numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives.
A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at 11:00 AM in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to the following: The Ferdie & Betty Venvertloh Scholarship Fund at Quincy Notre Dame; Blessed Sacrament Parish, Quincy, IL; Our Saviour Parish, Jacksonville, IL.
I just read about Father Ken. I went to St John”s with Father Ken. The other day I thought about calling Father Ken. He will not be forgotton
Dale, Marty, Rich, Jan:
I am so saddened to hear about Fr. Ken’s passing. What a wonderful man he was in every way. He truly was an “angel” for us on earth. I will keep all of your family in my prayers. HE will give you strength. God Bless
Lonny
Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Father Ken. He was a great Pastor at Our Saviour Parish here in Jacksonville, as well as a good friend. We will miss him.
Father Ken was an influence in our lives at Routt High. He was a gentle, kind man that led by example. He was also a good softball player!
With deep sympathy to the family of Fr. Ken. Truly a man of God.
A classmate from QND Class of ’57
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of our dear Father Ken. His guidance and friendship while I was a student at Eastern Illinois University was instrumental in my choice of a vocation to religious life. How many hundreds of young people and families were influenced by his kindness and the witness of his own vocation? Well done, good and faithful servant! Be at peace.