John Thatcher Venman, 83, of Midland, passed away peacefully at MidMichigan Medical Center on Saturday, July 24, 2010.
He was born on March 19, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Vernon L. and Adaline Adams (Thatcher) Venman. Growing up he became a camper and later a counselor at Camp Westminster on Higgins Lake. It was here he met his wife-to-be (Virginia) Diane Clark. He enlisted in the navy and served from Nov. 1944 to October 1946.
He attended Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science and earned a degree in Nursery and Landscape Management in 1949. He married (Virginia) Diane Clark on September 15, 1950. Together they began Venman’s Landscape Service in Rockford, Michigan, which they owned and operated for 35 years.
John loved his family and was a friend (and “grandpa”) to all. He had a gift of meeting people and making them feel like they’d known him all their lives. John also loved nature and the outdoors. Through his landscape business he beautified many yards and businesses.
John and Diane retired to Higgins Lake where they became active with woodworking, Camp Westminster, Higgins Lake Property Owners’ Association, Higgins Lake Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and Kirk of the Pines Presbyterian Church. They moved to Midland in 2005, where he developed his love for journaling.
John is survived by his wife Diane and three sons and their spouses: John (Sandy) of Rockford, Michigan; Bradley (Gayl) of Lansing; Thomas (Terri) of Midland; and daughter-in-law Shelley Venman of Colorado, as well as grandchildren Ryan (Kelly) Venman, Abigayl Venman, Erin (Chris) Rey, Scott Venman, Danny Venman, Bradley Venman, Renae Venman, and J.P. Venman. He is also survived by two great-grandsons Cael Venman and Parker Rey, special cousins Jim (Jan) Venman of Sanford, Pete (Carol) Venman of Mentor, Ohio, Bill (Sally) Venman of Amherst, MA and Bob Venman of Middlebury, VT. He was predeceased by son Peter (husband to Shelley), and his sister and brother-in-law Priscilla (Robert) Swift.

John will be greatly missed by family and friends, many of whom fondly knew him as “Johnny Appleseed.” His family is grateful that he can now rest in the arms of Jesus and not suffer from the many ailments he had. He will be remembered for his love of God, his family, friends and for being a true gentleman!

~Visitation~
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 28th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Ware-Smith-Woolover Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler Street, and at the church on Thursday from 2 pm until time of services.

~Services~
A funeral service for John will take place Thursday, July 29th at First United Methodist Church at 3:00, Rev. Dr. Charles Keyworth officiating.

~Memorials~
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Camp Westminster (on Higgins Lake) 116 Westminster Dr., Roscommon, MI 48653 Attn. Jim Bates