Venita Franey

Venita Franey, the daughter of Robert and Dollie (Burr) Van Sickler, was born February 9, 1948 in Scranton, Iowa and left this life peacefully August 12, 2016 at the Israel Family Hospice Home in Ames, Iowa. She lived her life to the age of 68 years, 6 months and 3 days.

Venita attended several schools in Iowa and Nebraska while her family farmed. She graduated from Nelson High School in Nelson, Nebraska in 1966. She moved to Fort Dodge to attend Iowa Central Community College where she received her Associates Degree in 1968 and then a Bachelors of Arts in teaching in 1970 from the University of Northern Iowa.

Venita was married in 1974 and two children were welcomed, Andrea Franey and Anthony Franey, now both of Haslet, Texas.

During her life, Venita helped operate the Eleventh Frame Lounge and Bowling Center in Jefferson, taught in the Jefferson school district and later was activity director at the Jefferson Manor and at the Gowrie Care Center. Her thoughtfulness and caring for others was always paramount in her life. She was a member of the Jefferson DOES Drove #196.

Celebrating her life are her children; two sisters, Grace Foutz of Lawrence, Kansas and Rita Sue Van Sickler of Boone, Iowa; three brothers: Willis (Corrine) Van Sickler of Fort Dodge, Iowa, David Van Sickler of Jefferson, Iowa and Donald (Corrie) Van Sickler of Tacoma, Washington; sister-in-law, Shirley Van Sickler of Ida Grove, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and special friends who are family.

Preceding her in death were her parents; a sister, Kay Finke; two brothers, Robert Jr. and Dennis Van Sickler; and two brothers-in-law, Jay Foutz and Darrel Finke.

Venita’s life was celebrated on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 11:30 A.M. at the United Methodist Church in Scranton with Pastor Karen Patrick officiating. Burial was made in the Dillavou Cemetery. Musical selections, “Jealous of the Angels” and “Dancing in the Sky” were sung by soloist, Erin Jurgens and a recording of “His Eye is on the Sparrow” was played. A gathering of family and friends was held Friday evening, August 19, 2016, from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at the Homestead Coffee and Bakery Café in Jefferson.

Assisting the family with arrangements, Brown Funeral Home, Jefferson.