Frederick Irving Ventura

FREDERICK IRVING VENTURA, age 80, of Owatonna, Minnesota, passed away on February 12th at Good Samaritan Society after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on September 17, 1944, in Bronx, New York to Hyman and Betty (Feldlaufer) Ventura. He graduated from William Howard Taft High School in 1962 and went on to further his education at New York University. He earned his Associated Arts degree in Computer Science in 1971. Fred continued his career as an IT Technical Support Specialist. 

In 1964 Fred joined the U.S. Army where he was trained as a Network Communications Specialist with the 54th Signal Battalion, Company B, 15 Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas. After training Fred served honorably in the Republic of Vietnam. Fred continued his service for another four years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He married Diane Ross on June 26, 1982, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca, Minnesota.

Fred was very active in his community. He was a dedicated member of The Human Rights Commission and the West Hills Commission for the City of Owatonna for twelve years. Fred further served on The Salvation Army as it's chairperson for five years as well as many other organizations. He earned several awards from his community and The City of Owatonna and was active with “Grandparent’s for Education”, in Owatonna.

Fred is survived by his wife of 42 years, Diane; sister, Barbara Soriano of Staten Island, New York. Son, Jerry (Cindy) Ventura of Albert Lea, Minnesota; grandchildren, are Alecia (Triton) Avery, and great-granddaughters, Mira and Erza Scarlett Avery of Albert Lea, Minnesota. As well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents, Hyman and Betty Ventura.

Funeral service will be held, Monday, February 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Owatonna. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca, where Military Honors will be held. 

In Lieu of Flowers, please direct memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Good Shepherd Pre-School in Fred’s name. The family would like to extend special thanks to Fred's hospice team and the caregivers at Good Samaritan Society, the VA at Minneapolis and the VA Service Office in Owatonna.

https://goodshepherdowatonna.churchcenter.com/giving