Doris Ventzke

Doris was born August 7, 1921, the daughter of the late Edwin and Lillian (Hussong) Brockman. A lifelong resident of Wausau, she attended area schools, and worked at Kraft Foods before beginning her family. On November 11, 1943, she was united in marriage, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau, to Norman Ventzke. After the birth of their two children, Dianne and Gary, her time was dedicated to raising her family and caring for her mother. The Sunday chicken dinners with the family together and polka music playing in the background, will especially be fondly remembered.


Doris’s life can be described as lived to the fullest. Her “get up and go” attitude shone through in all her activities and endeavors. She was a devoted member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, serving funeral lunches with the Leah Circle, playing with the New Bell Choir, and quilting with friends. She was a long time member of T.O.P.S., joining in the early 1960’s. She reached her goal weight and maintained it until going into the nursing home. She not only was an active member, but served her club as an officer for many years. After Norman’s death in 1986, Doris learned how to drive and obtained her first driver’s license at age 65, as a testament to her independent spirit.


She was an avid Packers and NASCAR fan, keeping current on the highlights and rarely missing a game or race. After moving to Colonial Manor, she spent her time involved in activities and greatly enjoyed the company of the staff and residents. Doris took great pride in her grandkids and was active in their lives, never failing to keep updated on what they were doing.


Doris E. Ventzke died December 2, 2009, at Colonial Manor, Wausau.


She will be missed by her loving children, Dianne (Michael) Meuret, and Gary (Ann) Ventzke, both of Wausau; 5 grandchildren, Tammy (Mark) Kromrei, Wausau, Robert Meuret, Wausau, Trisha Ventzke and her financé, Ben Vickers, South Korea, Greg Ventzke, Milwaukee, and Abby Ventzke, Oshkosh; and 2 great-grandchildren, Rachel and Riley Kromrei. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Melvin Brockman.




A funeral service celebrating Doris’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 5, 2009, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Reverend Gary Froseth will officiate. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. The family will receive guests Friday, December 4, 2009, from 4 – 8:00 p.m., at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; and again Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until the beginning of the service, at the church.


If preferred, memorial donations may be made to: St. Stephen Lutheran Church; 512 McClellan Street; Wausau, WI 54403.