Venetta McKern's Obituary
Venetta McKern, age 87, of Centerville, Iowa, died Saturday, November 6, 2004, at Kavanagh House on Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, Iowa. She was born the daughter of Robert and Nancy Ann (Montgomery) Mullenix on October 4, 1917 in Collinsville, Missouri. In 1936, She graduated from the Unionville Community Schools in Unionville, Missouri.On July 17, 1938, Venetta was united in marriage to Rev. Clark F. McKern in Unionville, Missouri. Rev. McKern founded the Dale Church north of Centerville, Iowa where Venetta was very active. She was the Sunday school Superintendent and Church Treasurer for many, years. She also headed up the Vacation Bible School and sang in the Church Choir. She worked at Milady's Dress Shoppe in Centerville for several years and for a short time at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville. Venetta was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Clark McKern on January 23, 1987; son, Larry McKern; brothers, Lorraine, Carl, Wilbur and Forrest Mullenix; half-brother, Harper Mullenix; sisters, Nellie Abbott, Sylvia Dye and Vivian Crewse.Venetta is survived by: her daughters, Marsha and her husband, Nick Lemmo of West Des Moines, Iowa and Sharon Lau of LaValencia, California; grandchildren, Lindsay Lemmo, Nick Lemmo, Johnny Lau and Chris Lau; Phil Tisue, (who Venetta & Clark cared for and guided) and very close friend Zeph Earhart.Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at 11 am at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Rev. John Adams officiating, burial to follow at the Dale Cemetery north of Centerville. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 8, 2004 from 2 pm till 8 pm at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with the family present from 6 till 8 pm at the funeral home.Memorials can be made to Kavanagh House on Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa and can be left at or mailed to the To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Venetta McKern please visit our Sympathy Store.
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