In Loving Memory
Venita Willits

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the Veterans or the Five Island Lake Restoration Project in Emmetsburg.

VISITATION
Monday, December 26, 2016
4:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

PARISH VIGIL SERVICE
Monday at the funeral home.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
10:30 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CELEBRANT
Rev. Clem Currans

MUSIC
Erin Schany ~ Vocalist
Margaret Sikora ~ Pianist

INTERMENT
St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Venita Catherine Willits, daughter of Joseph and Julia (Joyce) Joynt, was born July 30, 1918 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. The Joynts had twelve children, including three sets of twins. Venita received her education at St. Mary's Academy in Emmetsburg. Following high school, Venita attended cosmetology school in Des Moines. During this time she met her future husband, Richard.

Venita and Richard were united in marriage in 1942 at Assumption Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. Richard served in World War II and was sent overseas shortly after their marriage. Venita made her home in Emmetsburg, with their daughter, while he was away. While stationed in France in 1944, Richard was killed in action.

Venita worked at the Ben Franklin Store for many years while raising Judy.

Venita was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Venita was also a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary in Emmetsburg.

She played on some bowling teams and will certainly be remembered for her Monster Cookies and Muffin Bread. Venita enjoyed knitting and playing cards with friends and family. She especially liked Euchre and Spite and Malice. Venita looked forward to having a cup of coffee and visiting with her friends.

Venita passed away Thursday, December 22, 2016, at the Emmetsburg Care Center at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents, Joseph and Julia Joynt; brothers, Earl Joynt, Hugh Joynt, Lloyd Joynt, Louis Joynt, Frank Joynt and Clem Joynt; and sisters, Ruth Kehr, Blanche Hanrahan, Grace Joynt, Vera Heithoff (Venita's twin) and Evelyn Hiebeler.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy (Lloyd) Pottratz of Davenport, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Tory (Jeff) Dohrn, Erin and Sean Pottratz, Kori (Tom) Crippes, Beth (Doug) Ocar, Kelly (Jason) Swanson and Marc Pottratz; eleven great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Arlene Joynt of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Jenny Joynt of Des Moines, Iowa; a brother-in-law Leo Hiebeler of the Twin Cities, Minnesota; many nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Venita will be remembered for her message that she shared with everyone….

"Dance a jig, shuffle the deck, and always raise your glass of Kahlua, because it is five o'clock somewhere."

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home