Venhaus, Rita

Rita M. Venhaus, 78, of New Baden, died Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Aviston Countryside Manor in Aviston. She was born February 3, 1934 in New Baden, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Wegmann) Goebel. She married Richard H. Venhaus on April 24, 1956 in New Baden and he preceded her in death on December 3, 2009. She is survived by two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Cecelia Goebel of St. Louis, MO, and Martha & Ed Litteken of Aviston. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Viola Billhartz; a brother, Robert Goebel; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Agnes Venhaus; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wilbert “Bud” Billhartz, Helen & Al Lampe and Marie & Vince Ribbing. Mrs. Venhaus was a retired clerk for the family business. She was a member of St. George Parish and Altar Sodality in New Baden. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Eugene Neff and Deacon Charles Litteken officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2013 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Thursday, January 3, 2013 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. There will be a prayer service Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. George Parish and will be received at the funeral home.