Nicolaas Venter

Nicolaas Venter, 53, of Osnabrock, ND passed away March 22, 2017 at his home in Osnabrock.

Nicolaas was born in Dordrecht, South Africa on April 4th, 1963 to Frans and Martha (Van Jaarsveld) Venter. He was their only son. Nico became the “Man of the House” when his father passed away when he was only 5 years old and lived with his mother and 4 sisters: Rita, Franci, Louisa and Lidia at their home in Dordrecht.

Nico was a keen farmer, and from the time he was 14 years old, he helped out on the neighboring farms over weekends and holidays. This is where he learned to speak Xhosa, a native language fluently. Nico excelled as an athlete and played rugby for the school’s 1st team from the time he was 15 through the time he was 18. After graduating, Nico joined the department of correctional services as a warden and after a short tenure, joined Telkom.

Nico came to the United States in 2003 and worked for Rocky Wieczorek Custom Harvesting through that summer. In the fall of 2003 Nico began working for Bernhoft Farms in Mountain, ND. He enjoyed working on the farm and being involved with all activities that took place on the farm. He continued working for Bernhoft Farms through the spring of 2006 when he went to work for CHS Inc. in Milton, ND. Nico was a huge part of the CHS Milton Team and worked hard and proud until his last day.

Nico was an adventurous person and loved the outdoors, hunting, horses, motorbikes, four wheeling, being around friends and cruising in his jeep.

Nico is survived by his four children: Frans, Nicolette and Jaco - all of South Africa and son Nick of Milton, ND and four sisters: Rita, Franci, Louisa and Lidia - all of South Africa.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the American Legion Hall in Milton.