January 8, 1929 – December 10, 2022
Violet Lorraine Wenck, 93, of Spearfish and formerly of Morristown passed away peacefully with her family on December 10, 2022.
Violet was born January 8, 1929 in McIntosh to Fred and Sarah (Hines) Lovitt. One of seven children, Violet grew up in a sod house along the Cedar River before moving to their farm near Watauga. She graduated from McIntosh High School in 1947, continued her education at colleges in Madison and Aberdeen, earning a teaching degree.
On June 3, 1950, Violet married the love of her life, Leonard C. Wenck. They bought a ranch together southwest of Morristown, where they ran a cow/calf operation and raised wheat for nearly 50 years. They adopted and loved two children into their family: Max David Wenck in 1960 and Suzanne Sara Wenck in 1962.
Violet served her community in many ways, including local 4-H and Extension clubs, Farm Service Agency committees, the American Legion Auxiliary and LIVE, Inc., but most notably, as a country schoolteacher up until 1960.
Being a ranch wife, mother of two and dedicated school teacher left little time for art in her busy life. Violet enjoyed painting people and animals in pastel and prairie scenes in oil, and she always liked her pictures to tell a story.
Violet and Leonard retired to Spearfish in 1994 and sold their ranch to their son, Max, in 2001. Here she enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Violet and Leonard often traveled to Wisconsin to visit Max, and daughter-in-law, Linda, as well as their three grandchildren, Taylor, Austin and Andrea, and to help with planting and harvesting.
As a woman of deep faith, she was a dedicated member of Christ Lutheran Church in Morristown and Hope Lutheran Church in Spearfish. She was also a godparent for more than 10 godchildren.
She is survived by her brother of 86 years, Duane Lovitt of Apache Junction, AZ; son Max (Linda Basse) Wenck of East Troy, WI; daughter Suzanne Wenck of East Troy; two sisters-in-law, Doris Alberts of Britton and Darlys Kruse of Mitchell; grandchildren Taylor, Austin (fiancé Elizabeth Sarbacker) and Andrea; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Violet was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; parents Fred and Sarah Lovitt; two sisters, Faye Brown and Addie Wiedemann; and three brothers, Fred, Clyde and Willie Lovitt.
Funeral services were held at Hope Lutheran Church in Spearfish on Monday, December 19. Burial was at the Black Hills National Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to benefit Hope Lutheran Church.