With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jon Mark Veenendaal. Devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jon blessed us with his infectious personality, his willingness to serve, and a desire for the simple things in life. Jon passed away peacefully, at Western Wisconsin Health, surrounded by his wife and kids after a courageous battle with Leukemia.
Born August 28, 1947, in the tight knit community of Baldwin, Wisconsin to Louis and Myrtle Veenendaal, Jon was a member of the graduating class of Baldwin-Woodville High school in 1965. After high school, Jon enlisted and served as a member of the Wisconsin National Guard from 1966 until his Honorable Discharge in 1972. Jon went on to earn his degree in accounting from the Minnesota School of Business. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 240 and served on the Village of Baldwin – Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees for Peace Lutheran Church, and also coached youth bowling for many years. He spent many hours outside of his service to the community enjoying the Blackhawks, Packers, Badgers, and Brewers games with friends and family.
On June 25, 1977, Jon married the love of his life, Sandra K Nelson. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Melissa, Nicholas, and Jenna. He was a proud papa to seven grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to watch his kids and grandkids whether it be sporting events, concerts, and other events. Without the need to venture too far from home, Jon spent over 25 years of service to the Baldwin Fire Dept., now United Fire and Rescue. Some of his fondest memories were made at the Annual Smelt Fry and the Annual Christmas Party “Oysters.” Jon also had a deep love for the outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman. He helped educate many students as a Hunter Safety Education instructor for over two decades. Jon was fascinated with wildlife and the outdoors and wanted to do his part to see both respected safely.
Jon is survived by his loving wife, Sandra, his children Melissa (Jason) Gedatus, Nicholas (Emily) Veenendaal, and Jenna (Josh) Anderson; seven grandchildren: Mason, Layne, Lizzie, Maggie, Callie, Colby, and Oakley; his brother, Duane (Judy); in-laws Barb (Larry) Kohl, Randy (Kathy) Nelson and many nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Louis and Myrtle; his brother Lowell and sister-in-law Jeanne; his mother and father-in-law, Kenneth and Alice Nelson; and brother and sister-in-law Bob and Donna Nelson.
Visitation took place 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday December 18, 2024, at Peace Lutheran Church, 2084 Co. Rd N, Baldwin and 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 19 with Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.
A special thank you to the healthcare teams at Western Wisconsin Health, United Hospital, Regions Hospital, and Amery Medical Center Cancer Center.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to O’Connell Funeral Home in Baldwin.
