On the morning of March 2, 2013, Demaris passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena. She was 72 years old.
Demaris was born to Walter and Leona Hafner in a private home in Beulah, ND, and delivered by Dr. Vinje on May 4, 1940. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kronthal, N.D. She lived on the family farm and attended first and second grades at the Kronthal Parochial School, then attended third through 12th grades at the Beulah Public School. Demaris was confirmed in June 1954 at Concordia Lutheran Church. She graduated from Beulah High School in May 1958. Demaris attended Jamestown College and graduated with a degree in nursing in May 1962.
In June 1962, Demaris married Harvey Unruh and they lived in Dickinson, where she worked at St. Joseph Hospital, teaching in the LPN program. She then taught in the nursing program at Dickinson State College. During that time, she also attended Texas Women’s University, in Dallas, where she earned her master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. She married Raymond Venzke on May 31, 1986. They moved to Helena, where Demaris taught nursing at Carroll College. She also worked in the psychiatric ward at St. Peter’s Hospital until its closure.
Demaris was very active and involved in New Life Lutheran Church, where she served as church council president, was part of WELCA (Women of Evangelical Church of America), served on the outreach ministry team and served on the worship planning ministry team.
Demaris is survived by her husband, Raymond Venzke, Helena; her sons, Steven Unruh, Fargo, N.D., and Michael Unruh, Whitefish; and stepdaughter, Diane (Dean) Doersch, Neenah, Wis. She has four granddaughters: Danielle Stull, Chicago; Dara Stull, Clintonville, Wis.; and DeAnna Doersch and Delaney Doersch, both of Neenah, Wis. Demaris is also survived by her four siblings: sister, Betty (George) Strecker, Fargo, N.D.; brothers, Duane (Sue) Hafner, Grand Forks, N.D.; Robert (Nancy) Hafner, Beulah, N.D.; and Kevin (Shari) Hafner, Beulah, N.D. Demaris was preceded in death by her father, Walter, and her mother, Leona. She also leaves behind her beloved pet, Spunky, an American Eskimo husky.
A Celebration of Demaris’ life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2013 at Zion Lutheran Church. 112 5th St NW, Beulah, ND 58523. A reception will immediately follow the celebration of her life in the social hall at the church.
Demaris had a very kind, patient, and gentle spirit and always found the good in people. She was a peacemaker and lived her Christian faith in her daily life. She will be missed by family and friends.
Jay Ramlo says
Demaris was one of the people who wecolmed me to New Life Lutheran many years ago. She will always be in my memory.
Steven says
Mom was a genuine and sweet soul. She will be missed.
LOVE
Steven says
Our florist in Beulah, ND will be:
Bloom’n House
116 Main St E Beulah, ND 58523
(701) 873-2291
http://www.bloomnhouse.net/
Ask for Connie and “drop” Kevin Hafner’s name :^]
Sandy says
I am sorry for your loss of Demaris. You have my condolences.
I know you are feeling great pain due to our enemy ‘death’ striking and taking Demaris from you.
But remember the place to receive comfort is in prayer. Psalm 55:22 promises that God will sustain us if we throw our burdens on him.
And we have the hope of the resurrection (John 5:28,29). We can look forward to seeing our dead loved ones again, including Demaris.
I hope these scriptural thoughts bring you comfort and hope.