Fred Venhuis passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at the age of 84 years, beloved husband of Mary Venhuis who passed away on Monday January 13, 2025.  

Fred Venhuis was born on March 13, 1940, in Uithuizermeeden, Groningen, Netherlands. His family immigrated to Canada in 1950, settling in Lethbridge, Alberta. Fred became a journeyman plumber in the early 1960s. He married Mary Vonkeman on July 25, 1962. Shortly after, they moved to Brooks where they set up a plumbing business, bought their first home, and raised their children Cindy and Keven.  Fred took great pride in his work, making Quality Plumbing a reputable and successful business. His customers, his neighbors and friends all knew they could count on Fred and his charming sense of humor. The family attended the Brooks Christian Reformed Church, where Fred served as a deacon, elder and a Calvinist Cadet leader. Fred lived his faith every day with integrity, serving where he could with kindness and humility.  “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

In 1988, Fred and Mary moved to Medicine Hat where Fred continued to operate Quality Plumbing with a partner until he retired. In retirement, Fred kept busy doing his creative things in the workshop, collaborating with Mary and Cindy on home renovation projects, helping neighbors, and going for a daily walk to his favorite coffee spot. His retirement hobbies included putting together jigsaw puzzles and solving Sudoku puzzles.

In his late 70s, Fred was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He remained at home, being cared for by Mary, until 2022 when he moved to Meadow Ridge Seniors Village; a year later he transferred to Age Care Riverview, where he died on January 2, 2025.  Mary died eleven days later. They are together again and with their loved ones in heaven where there is “no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Rev 21:4).

Fred was predeceased by four brothers and three sisters. He is greatly missed and survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cindy Venhuis and Ian Sangster; his son Kevin; his sister Florence; his two brothers, David (Myrna) and Richard (Linda). Fred and his cheeky humor are fondly remembered by his extended family, Mary and Cindy’s “crafting family” (who embraced him as one of their own), his neighbors and friends.

The memorial service for Fred and Mary will take place at the Pattison Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Centre on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant David Townsend officiating.

The service will be live streamed.  Please follow this link  https://youtube.com/live/7FzBHU_eQDQ?feature=share     or select the "access video" button below

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.