The campus community mourns the passing of Venetta G. Bilger, 94, who died on Saturday, July 15. Venetta worked in Facilities, retiring in 1985 after nearly 22 years of service.
She was born on November 24, 1922 in Union County, a daughter of the late Elmer E. and Pearl M. (Wirth) Gotshall. On April 26, 1941, she married Kenneth Beaver Bilger, at Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lewisburg. Mr. Bilger passed away on February 24, 2001.
During retirement, she and Ken spent many years traveling with the Lewisburg Ramblers Club, visiting several states on the East coast, the eastern provinces of Canada, Alaska and Hawaii.
Venetta enjoyed reading, gardening, having lunch with her Bucknell friends, cuddling with Smokey the cat (2016), and starting each day with a brisk 20 minute walk.
She is survived by two sons, Kenneth E. Bilger and wife CarolAnn of Selinsgrove, and Donald E. Bilger of Milton; one daughter, Sharon L. Frykman of Lewisburg; and one daughter-in-law, Josie (Allen’s wife), of Milton. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Pamela, Kevin, Cassandra and Deborah; eight great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; two nieces, Sandra and Millie; three nephews, Van, Gerald and Bucky; and last but not least, her three wonderful friends, Helen, Evelyn and Pat.
In addition to her husband, Ken, she was preceded in death by her son, Allen R. Bilger (2015); brother, Harvey Gotshall; and sister, Esther Reedy.
There will be no public service. Interment will be at the discretion of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Venetta`s memory may be sent to the Union County Public Library, 255 Reitz Blvd, Lewisburg, PA 17837, always a favorite place.
Members of the Bucknell Community are encouraged to visit our In Memoriam Site at bucknell.edu/InMemoriam and share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
On behalf of the entire Bucknell community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Venetta’s family, as well as to all who knew her at Bucknell.
John C. Bravman
President