Donald L. Venatta, Sr.

Donald L. Venatta, Sr., 87, of Oblong, IL, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2023. Born in Robinson, IL, on September 4, 1935, to Herman and Esther (Quick) Venatta, Don would go on to live a life filled with service, skill, and a whole lot of Westerns! Upon turning 18, Don joined the Marines, demonstrating his enduring spirit of determination and courage. His service to his country during the Korean War was a testament to his bravery. After his international duty, he returned stateside to Camp Lejeune, where he honed his culinary skills in cook school - a talent he would display throughout his life.

It was at this time that Don met the love of his life, Nancy Rodgers, in a moment ordained by destiny and defined by devotion. The couple cemented their bond on January 21, 1956, a union that brought four sons into this world. To provide for his family, Don maneuvered through a number of professional paths, including time spent at a lumber yard, a moving company, and he even worked a stint as a lineman. He finally found his calling in 1977 at E.H. Baare as a machine operator, a position he held until his retirement in 2001.

Known for his exceptional culinary skills, Don's fudge was a beloved staple of every Christmas. He also had a knack for creating comfort food - his beef stew in particular was legendary in family circles. His skillset further expanded to include woodworking and tinkering. His charm lay in his ability to fix anything, while his craftiness extended to creating anything he or his family needed. The shelves he made were put to good use, as Don was an ardent collector who never threw anything away! So vast were his collections of coins, gadgets, guns, and Pittsburg Steelers memorabilia that it was a wonder that he ever had time to work out in his garden. His green thumb spawned a beautiful garden in which roses were a key highlight, and the tomatoes he tended year after year were well worth his investment of money, time, and energy. After retiring, he lived a tranquil life, spending countless hours watching Western classics like Bonanza and Gunsmoke, often with a devoted Chihuahua by his side. Despite this old Marine's gruff exterior, his distinctive way of showing affection was felt by those dearest to him.

Don Venatta, Sr., will be remembered as a courageous and industrious man whose devotion to his family was as steadfast as his loyalty to his country. While his departure has left an irreplaceable void, his memories remain etched as awe-inspiring recollections of a remarkable life.

He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Nancy Venatta; his sons, Donald, Jr & wife Susan Venatta, Tony Venatta, Ronnie Venatta, and Rick Venatta; eight grandchildren, Donny, Connie, A.J., Christa, Donald, Trisha, Tracy, Savanna; 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; his siblings, Ed Venatta, Leonard Venatta, and Velma Richards; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman & Esther (Quick) Venatta; his brothers, Harold, Tom, Larry, Richard, Ronnie, David, and John Venatta; and his sisters, Betty Shonk and Barbara Rainwater.

A time of visitation will be held from 11:00-1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1st, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A graveside service will follow at the Oblong Cemetery, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Marine Corps, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. In honor of his love of animals, memorials may be made to the "Crawford County Humane Society", with envelopes available at the funeral home.