Clifford D. La Venture, age 74 of Ellsworth, WI, died on December 1, 2020 at Preferred Senior Living. His loving wife Judy C. La Venture, age 71 of Ellsworth, WI, died on April 21, 2021. Their close passing is symbolic of their love for each other, and how they lived their lives for each other and their family…. always together.

Cliff was born on September 25, 1946 in Stillwater MN to Bernard and Arlene (Rundquist) La Venture. He attended Hudson High School, graduating with the Class of 1964. Following high school, Cliff served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Upon his return, he enrolled in trade school, where he learned welding and sheet metal fabrication.

Judy was born on May 11, 1949 in Hilo, Hawaii to Gilbert and Carolyn (Speerstra) Hay. She attended Seabury High in Maui, where she was the Captain of the swim team, graduating with the Class of 1967. Following with her family tradition, Judy then moved to St. Paul MN after enrolling in the Ancker Hospital School of Nursing. It was during her time in Minnesota that she would meet Cliff. The two were married on April 19, 1969 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson, WI. Their marriage would be blessed with two sons, five grandchildren, and over 51 years of love and devotion. Cliff worked for over 33 years with the 3M Corporation, while Judy was blessed to be a homemaker and raise their sons.

Growing up near the ocean, and having a tidal pond and hot spring just outside their home, Judy loved swimming and being on the water. As a former Girl Scout, she also liked camping. Together, she and Cliff enjoyed all kinds of fishing and took many fishing trips to Canada. Cliff also loved fishing, and taking his sons on fishing trips to Canada. Cliff was an accomplished craftsman, who built their house, and enjoyed building furniture, all sorts of woodworking, and farming. Judy enjoyed game shows, solitaire and cribbage, and making fresh baked bread. Above all else, family was paramount to Cliff and Judy. Their lives leave a legacy of love and treasured memories for both family and friends.

Cliff and Judy are survived by two sons, Tom La Venture and his wife Stacy, and their children Tanner and Taylor Wix, and Ken La Venture, and his children Daytin Blake, and Dylan and Aidyn La Venture. They are further survived by Cliff’s nine siblings and his uncle Howard, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; cousin Joni Tennant; niece, Jenny La Venture; nephew, Andy Weiland, and great nephew Devin Aryal. Judy was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and three brothers.

To celebrate the lives of Cliff and Judy La Venture, a gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00-4:00pm on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home, 130 N. Grant Street in Ellsworth. Memorials may be directed to the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation. Cliff and Judy will be buried together at a private family burial. Fort Snelling National Cemetery will be their final resting place.

Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth, WI. 715-273- 4421 www.oconnellfuneralservices.com