Curtis Norman Venz

Curtis Norman Venz, 81, of Beardstown, died Monday, June 29, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 9, 1945, in Sandy, Oregon, the son of Norman E. and Margaret Ritterbush Venz. He married the love of his life, Karen Sue Welch, on July 26, 1975, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown. She preceded him in death on November 15, 2016.

He is survived by his daughter, Megan Venz of Beardstown; his son, Nathan Venz (Mindy) of Indianola, Iowa; three grandchildren, Logan, Harper, and Kaden Venz; his sister, Carol Miller of St. Charles, Missouri; his brother, Keith Venz (Jan) of Burbank; his brother-in-law, Steve Welch (Alissa) of Shelbyville; his faithful four-legged companion, Callie; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his brother-in-law, David Miller.

Curt graduated from Altamont High School in 1963. After attending the University of Illinois for one year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he honorably served his country during the Vietnam War as a weatherman until 1969.

Following his military service, Curt built a career in accounting. He worked for Bohn Aluminum, Barnett & Myers, and Beardstown Savings and Loan before later working at the service desk in the Tire and Lube Center at Beardstown Walmart. Known by many as the "Pencil Pusher," Curt embraced the nickname with good humor, a fitting tribute to the profession he enjoyed throughout much of his life.

Faith was the foundation of Curt's life. As the son of a Lutheran School Teacher/ Principal, he was raised in a family deeply devoted to the church and Christian education. He was baptized on April 29, 1945, and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in 1959 at St. Pauls (Blue Point) Lutheran Church. Throughout the years, he faithfully served St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown and Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville in numerous leadership roles, including elder, secretary, and various church offices. He was also a proud member of the Beardstown Kiwanis Club since 1998.

Curt enjoyed spending time on the golf course, taking leisurely rides in his golf cart, and cheering on his favorite teams. Whether it was the University of Illinois Fighting Illini or the St. Louis Cardinals, he rarely missed an opportunity to follow the games. More than anything, he cherished time spent with his family and friends and will be remembered for his steadfast faith, quiet dedication to serving others, and kind, dependable nature.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville with Reverend Andrew Dierks officiating. Burial will follow at St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery in Beardstown.

The family will meet with friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. A Kiwanis memorial service will be conducted at 4:45 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials have been suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church and School or the Beardstown Park District. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on the Colwell Memorial Home Facebook page.