Gertrude Vennes

Minot

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Mother, Gertrude “Tomi” Vennes, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Gertrude went to her heavenly home at the age of 96 on Thursday June 26, 2025 after a brief stay at Pro Health Assisted Living.

Gertrude Thomas was born December 19, 1928 on the family farm in Sioux County ND near Fort Yates, ND to Philip and Emelia (Dauenhauer) Thomas. Gertrude attended St. Bernards Mission School in Fort Yates, ND, Mount Marty School in Yankton, SD, and graduated in a class of 19 on May 20, 1949, from Standing Rock Community High School in Fort Yates, ND. Gertrude’s parents owned and operated a cafe in Fort Yates, ND where she began working at any early age. That is where she developed her strong work ethic, which she carried with her throughout life and eventually passed down to her children.

Gertrude went on to pursue a career in nursing. She recalls telling her dad that she needed money to travel to Williston for her licensed practical nursing training at Mercy Hospital in Williston, ND. He happily gave her the money, but she had to catch a ride with the mailman to get to the bus station. It was during her nurses training that she received her nickname “Tomi”, which derived from her maiden name Thomas. She graduated in June of 1950, and went on to work for Mercy Hospital for 12 years.

In the fall of 1952 while living in Williston, she met Charles Lindberg “Lindy” Vennes. They were married January 5, 1954 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Williston, ND. They moved to Minot, ND in 1962 and purchased their forever home at 2024 6th St. N.W. in 1966, where they raised their 6 children.

In 1971 Gertrude was able to continue her nursing career at Trinity Nursing Home where she was employed for 21 years, retiring in 1992. During her 33 years of nursing her presence brought light and laughter to countless lives including caring for her dad at the nursing home until his death.

In retirement, Gertrude especially enjoyed caring for her beautiful flowers and garden, cross stitching, pinochle, reading the newspaper from front to back, watching the Broncos, Vikings, golf and other sports; riding Amtrak to see her special friends Tom & Linda Ann Geelan. She took great pride in keeping the most pristine lawn.

Most of all she cherished every moment with family, friends and neighbors and playing Monopoly (always being the shoe), Air Hockey, dolls, whist and having tea parties in the sand box with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She always kept in touch with her brothers and sister and made countless trips to spend the day with them and all her nieces & nephews.

She made the BEST CARMEL ROLLS ever! She loved making them and surprising her family, friends, neighbors and service people that would help her out.

Gertrude was a longtime member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Minot where she was a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion, volunteer and member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. Her deep faith in God and strong will sustained her all through her life.

Gertrude will always be remembered as a caring and compassionate nurse, a wonderful mother and a woman who was always concerned with your spiritual welfare. She will be deeply missed!

Our family would like to thank the wonderful and compassionate staff at ProHealth Assisted Living and HIA Hospice for their wonderful care.

Gertrude’s loving family includes her children: Tom (Brenda) Vennes of Spearfish SD, David (Brenda) Vennes, Charles Vennes Jr. and Jon Vennes all of Minot, Karen (Larry) Self of Granville and son-in-law Milo Schmeichel of Minot; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter: Deborah Walcker and siblings: John, Mark, Clemence and Philip Jr. Thomas and Mary Holzer.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Therese, Church of the Little Flower – Minot. A delayed stream of the service may be viewed, starting on Thursday, using the link in the website obituary.

Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the church.

Visitation: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the church.

Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park – Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Little Flower Catholic Church. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, June 30, 2025.