Edward Joseph Venhuizen went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, November 30, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 75 years old.

Edward (Ed) was born on October 3, 1949, in New Underwood, South Dakota to Henry and Bernice (Hoch) Venhuizen. Ed was the youngest of six children where he grew up enjoying a wonderful childhood on the family farm in rural Owanka, South Dakota. After selling the farm in 1966, the family moved to Denver, Colorado.  As a teenager, Ed worked various jobs including washing dishes at a hospital, working at McDonald's (he claims he invented the double cheeseburger because he made and ate them before they were even on the menu), and working at Wright Tree Service where he learned how to operate heavy equipment and drive a semi-truck. In 1969, he moved back to South Dakota where he worked for a dairy farmer as well as a rancher. In 1970, he moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to work with his brother Ken at a sawmill. It was in Coeur d'Alene where he met the love of his life, Deb.  On June 12,1971 in Bison, South Dakota, they were married in a double ceremony along with his brother Ken and Deb's sister Paulette.  In 1973, Ed and Deb, brothers Ron, Ken and John and their families moved to Isle, Minnesota since Ed's parents had purchased land there. Ed, Ken and John started and ran Venhuizen Bros. Logging for 33 years. Ed enjoyed the trucking side of the business and used his expertise by training his sons, Chris and Buzz as well as his grandson, Matt.  In 2006, Ed and his son Chris had the opportunity to buy a grain, feed and fertilizer hauling business.  It eventually led to just grain and fertilizer.  Ed and Chris worked together until Ed retired in 2021 when he sold his business to his grandson, Matt.

In 1980, Ed and Deb built their home in Isle where they raised their three children, Christopher, JoAnn and Justin (Buzz). The kids attended Mora School where Ed loved watching them participate in sports, concerts, and plays.  Ed and Deb were very active in volunteering for school events including proms, school dances, field trips, and band/choir trips. Ed was also lucky enough to watch his four grandchildren participate in sports, motocross, snowboarding, concerts, and many other activities.  Ed loved his many hunting and fishing trips with his sons and buddies as these adventures were very special to him.  Ed spent his entire life serving and loving the Lord.  He was a member of Isle Evangelical Free Church and Emmanuel Baptist Church, Mora, Minnesota where he grew in his relationship with the Lord and found a place to serve and mentor by being a youth leader and participating in many mission trips.

During the winters, Ed and Deb would take off and travel in their camper visiting most every state.  After retiring, winters were spent in Donna,Texas where they loved the warm weather and the many activities the 55+ community provided.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Bernice Venhuizen (Isle, MN) sister Dorthy and her husband Arnie Patzoldt (Pine City, MN) and brother Ronald and his wife Shirley Venhuizen (Isle, MN).

He is survived by his wife Debra (Carpenter) Venhuizen, children: Christopher (Carey) of Isle, MN, JoAnn (Trace) Roller of Elk River, MN, Buzz (Misti) Venhuizen of North Branch, MN; grandchildren: Emma (Eli) Ness of Phoenix, AZ, Matthew (Kirsten) Venhuizen of North Branch, MN, Austin (Ashley) Venhuizen of Dresser, WI, and Tyler Venhuizen of North Branch, MN; two great-grandchildren: Owen Ness and Braxtyn Venhuizen; brothers: Ken (Paulette) Venhuizen of Cambridge, MN, Jim (Joyce) Venhuizen of Ottawa, KS, John (Bonnie) Venhuizen of Isle, MN and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial Service 11am Friday, December 6, 2024 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Mora, MN with visitation 5:00 to 7:00pm Thursday at Dresser-Methven Funeral Home, Mora, MN, as well as 1 hour prior to services Friday at church.