John (Jack) Vennema Jr., 93

John (Jack) Vennema Jr., passed away April 19, 2012, in Whitefish, Mont., after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Jack was born in Chicago, Ill., on Jan. 6, 1919, to John and Sybell Vennema.

He graduated from Duke University, where he met his wife, Joanne Colliver Stephens of Aurora, Ill. They were married in 1942 and later relocated to Spokane where they raised their children. Jack was an active member of Manito Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder for many years. He and the family enjoyed summers at their cabin on Lake Coeur d’Alene Lake.

In 1989 Jack and Joanne moved to Holland, Mich. Jack joined Rotary and Hope Church. He attended many athletic and musical events at Hope College. Due to declining health, Jack relocated to Montana to be near his son. Throughout his life Jack provided stability, constancy, faith and fortitude for his family. Despite the erosion of life’s memories his kind sense of humor endured to the last.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife in 1999 and his sister in 2002. He is survived by his three children, 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell, Mont., and internment will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2012, at Spring Lake Cemetery in Aurora, with the Reverend Gary McCann officiating.