[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 160 (Wednesday, December 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF FRANK VENNER III

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2012

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, during the Christmas Season we remember 
people far and near and reminisce about those who are no longer with 
us. I rise to remember Frank Venner, who passed from this life in the 
summer of 2012 at age 85 years.
  Frank Venner was born March 8, 1927, in Baltimore, Maryland. After 
living in Providence, Rhode Island and Binghamton, New York, the family 
moved to Toledo when Frank was a teenager. He graduated from Central 
Catholic High School in 1944 and from the University of Notre Dame in 
1949. He served in the Army Air Corps. Frank and his wife Ruth married 
in 1952 and together raised six children. Their children, along with 
their eleven grandchildren, were his pride and joy.
  While in college, Frank began working in radio on the college 
station. Back in Toledo he embarked on a career over four decades in 
broadcasting. He started at WSPD, Toledo's local radio and television 
station. Later, the television component became WTVG. Frank Venner was 
a news fixture at the station, his journalism respected in the 
community. His signature features were the popular ``Weather-in-the-
Weather'' show which was broadcast from atop the former Commodore Perry 
Hotel, the High School Quiz program which he hosted for a quarter 
century, and the Venner-Ward Report which he co-anchored with another 
longtime Toledo newsman Gordon Ward. Mr. Ward recalled, ``Integrity was 
primary in all that he did. His word was his bond.'' Frank Venner also 
served as editorial director and news director at the station.
  Frank Venner's imprimatur on Toledo news is solid. A true journalist, 
his impact on television from its earliest days into the 21st century 
is remarkable. He leaves a lasting legacy. He was a man who often 
reported what others did, but also went beyond his profession and left 
our community and its institutions stronger for his presence. His 
resonant voice became synonymous with Toledo.
  A more important legacy is his family. His presence will be missed by 
his children and grandchildren, relatives and friends. Yet, he lives on 
in them and in the media he was so much a part of shaping.

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