Harry James Venema, age 84, a longtime resident of Wheaton, died at home on Thursday, November 9 after a struggle with cancer. He was born on July 28, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to John and Ida Venema.

Harry served in the Navy during WWII. In 1945 he married Lois Vander Klok and earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of IL in 1950. They moved to Wheaton in 1956 where he worked for Borg Warner Research Labs for over 30 years. While there he was issued 10 patents. He was a member and past-president of U of I, ECE Alumni Association and continued his involvement with IEEE.

He was a longtime member of Wheaton Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an Elder and in other capacities. After retirement he and Lois enjoyed traveling the world and seeing the United States.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lois, five children, Terry (Connie) Venema of Dayton, OH, Rosemary (Stephen) Slager of Cary, NC, Robin (Jim) Huizenga of Cincinnati, OH, Bryan (Ann) Venema of Seattle, WA, and Todd (Becky) Venema of Dayton, OH, twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Ernestine Dykman.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Wheaton Christian Reformed Church, 711 E. Harrison Avenue. Friends may visit with the family following the service. Interment will be held privately.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the The Back to God Hour, 6555 West College Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463.

Information and guest book is available at hultgrenfh.com or call Hultgren Funeral Home in Wheaton at 630-668-0027.