Betty Venaro

Betty B. Venaro, age 81, of Faribault, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 12, 2010 at the family farm, surrounded by her loving family.    Private family services will be held.     Interment will be held at the Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault.    Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home of Faribault.    Betty Bernice Gustafson, the daughter of Herbert and Muriel (Comstock) Gustafson, was born on March 3, 1929 in Faribault, Minnesota. On March 2, 1948, Betty was united in marriage to Richard J. Venaro in Faribault. They made their home at the family farm in Wells and Warsaw Townships, where they farmed together for many years. Betty also assisted Richard with different responsibilities at the Rice County Fair Grounds for many years. Richard later preceded her in death in 2006. Betty enjoyed spending time with her family and pets over the last few years. She was content with bird watching, quiet times and her trips to the casino.   She was a member of the Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior in Faribault.    Betty is survived by her daughters, Carmen (Wayne) Horejsi, Julie (Brian) Starkson and Cyndy (Glenn) Cunningham, all of Faribault; seven grandchildren, Wanda (Stan) Rosch, Troy Swingen, Katie (Todd) Martin, Matt (fiancé Kristi Smith) Muchow, Jesse Starkson, Amber Cunningham and Courtney Cunningham; four great grandchildren, Derek Swingen, Logan Rosch, Cohen Martin and Bentley Muchow; siblings Dennis (Nancy) Gustafson of Arizona, Louise (Greg) Krause of Iowa, Jean Bottke (Chuck Dunford) of Wisconsin, and Shirley Eastman of Faribault; and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.    Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard in 2006; daughter, Susan Swingen in 2009, son-in-law Dennis Swingen, brother, Dave Gustafson, sisters Julia Gustafson, Dorothy Thielbar and Donna Wolesky.