Violet Lorraine Wenck, 93, of Spearfish, SD, and formerly of Morristown, SD, passed away peacefully with her family on December 10, 2022.

Violet was born January 8, 1929, in McIntosh, SD, to Fred and Sarah (Hines) Lovitt. One of seven children, Violet grew up in a sod house along the Cedar River northwest of McIntosh before their family moved to a farm southwest of Watauga, SD in 1942. She attended country schools and graduated from McIntosh High School in 1947. Violet continued her education at colleges in Madison and Aberdeen, SD, earning a teaching degree. She taught grades 1-4 in Watauga for three years.

On June 3, 1950, Violet married the love of her life, Leonard C. Wenck, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Watauga. Violet and Leonard owned a ranch 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—through 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, Violet taught all grades at many of the area country schools between Watauga, Morristown, and Keldron, including Highland View, Matkin, and White Deer. She enjoyed making lifelong friendships and watching her students become wonderful adults.

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. She was a member of the Black Hills Art Association, and her art was recognized at many of the area art shows.

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. Twice a year, usually around planting and harvest, Violet and Leonard would travel to Wisconsin to visit their son, Max, and daughter-in-law, Linda, as well as their three grandchildren, Taylor, Austin, and Andi and help with the farm work.

Violet was beautiful inside and out. 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 to 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, WI; two sisters-in-law, Doris Alberts of Britton, SD, and Darlys Kruse of Mitchell, SD; 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.

A funeral service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Spearfish on Monday, December 19, at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am. Lunch will be served at the church immediately following the service. Burial will be 2 pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to benefit Hope Lutheran Church.

Hear more about Violet Wenck via her 90th birthday video:

https://youtu.be/nzs94PFlvE0