John A. Sonny VenJohn, Jr.
June 24, 1932 ~ November 29, 2019
John A. “Sonny” VenJohn, Jr., 87, of Mt. Hope, died Friday, November 29, 2019. Rosary, 7 p.m., Sunday, December 1; Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 2, both at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Andale. All are invited to a luncheon at the parish hall following the interment. Sonny was born June 24, 1932, in Andale, Kansas. He was raised on a farm north of Andale along with his sisters, Helen and Irene, and cousin, Buddy. He farmed the land he loved, and for a time he ran a dairy, providing door to door milk. Sonny held many jobs to help raise his family of six, which ranged from television repair to custodian at Andale schools. The job he loved most was being a husband, father, grandfather of 22 and great-grandfather to 14. Those who knew him enjoyed his quick wit and warm personality. He was recognized as the “Administrator of Mischief” at Mt. Hope Nursing Center during his stay there. Sonny was preceded in death by parents, Anna and John VenJohn, Sr.; wife, Helen; stillborn daughter, Elizabeth VenJohn; sisters, Helen Engelbrecht, Irene VenJohn; cousin, Buddy Betzen. Survivors: daughters, Denise Veith (Tony), Diane Stolz (Tom); sons, Don, Doug (Rose), Dallas (JJ) and Dwight “DD” (Uldene); special friend, Marge Bugner, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John’s name to the donor’s choosing. Downing & Lahey West.
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Thank you Sonny for being a friend to my Mom, Wanda Hale when she needed one the most. You made her stay at the Nursing Facility a bit easier for her. RIP Sonny.
Sonny I will miss you very much I will always treasure the memories of taking care of you.
It was a privilege to take care you
Sonny was an amazing and hilarious person. He always made everyone laugh. I will miss so many things, but most of all I will miss his warm hugs and singing along with his music on his echo!
Denise, Diane, Don, Doug, Dallas, DD – My sympathies to all of you. Your father always treated me with kindness when I was a child. The one thing I remember most is his quick laugh. He seemed to find something to laugh about no matter the circumstances he faced.
He was a really special man, I enjoy taking care of him at Mount Hope nursing home. He always make people laugh. My condolence goes out to family and prayers.
Our sympathies to the whole family! Another hard working man will be missed. May heaven restore his strength and bless him for eternity.
Thoughts and prayers to his family. My Dad, John Betzen, spoke of Sonny VenJohn when we were kids. I have always regretted not being able to know the VenJohn side of Dads family. I think we really missed out on some wonderful people.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for family & friends.
In memory of John “Sonny” A. VenJohn Jr., Gary Schwein lit a candle
It is with great sadness that I learned of Sonny’s passing. Our hearts go out to the VenJohn family and everyone else whose lives were so touched by Sonny’s love, kindness and support. We extend our deepest condolences to the VenJohn family at this time of enormous loss. Gary & Paula Schwein & Jean Gnam
I am so sorry for your loss, but prayers that Sonny and Helen are now together, enjoying the perpetual light! So grateful for his life and beautiful family.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.