Carla Vennard, 75 of Akron, Iowa, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation with the family present will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Akron, Iowa. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Carla Jeanne Heyl was born on May 21, 1949 in Akron, Iowa to Lester and Wilhelmina (Herzig) Heyl. She was raised in Akron and graduated from Akron High School in 1967.  Carla was united in marriage to Larry Vennard on June 3, 1967 and they made their home in Akron. Carla and Larry had three children: Larry, Ken, and Carisa. Carla primarily stayed home while their children were young but later she worked for a few years at Heyl Trucklines in Akron, followed by 17 years at Wells Dairy in Le Mars. She also worked briefly as a sub at the school in Akron and provided transports for residents at the Akron Care Center in Akron.

Her favorite 'job' though was being a grandma. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, whether it was babysitting, supporting them in their activities, teaching them to drive, and even participating in taekwondo classes. She loved making memories, taking photos, and doting on her grandkids. Her family always came first. When her son, Ken, needed a liver transplant, Carla provided him full time care during his long recovery at the hospital in Omaha.

Carla was an outgoing, kind, and friendly woman; she wouldn't hesitate to help anyone in need of a helping hand and enjoying visiting with her neighbors. She had a love of cats and would often be caring for stray cats. She also loved humming along to music and enjoying nature on motorcycle rides.  In her high school years, Carla was active in the school band and as a cheerleader. She volunteered and performed at several shows at the Akron Opera House over the years where she was also was a board director for several years.

Carla is survived by her husband of 57 years, Larry; three children: Larry (Michelle) Vennard of Ypsilanti, MI, Ken Vennard of Akron, IA, and Carisa (Dave) Addink of Sioux Center, IA; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren: Nicole Erickson and her daughter, Cameron, Kennedy Madsen, Karlee Madsen, Erika Clark and her children, Wade and Amaya, Meghan (Alex) Riemenschneider, and Sydnie (Spencer) Van Ravenswaay; two sisters: Janet Grimsely of Sioux City, IA, and Jo Ellen (Edward) Baack of Portland, OR; seven siblings in law: Dean (Sherril) Vennard, Lois (John) Hazen, Ruth (Paul) Bremmer, Dale Vennard, Nancy (Tom) Scheinost, Marilyn (Roger) Peterson, and Sue (Mike) Welter; special nieces: Robin Roper, Rhonda (Mike) Hawks, Crystal (Doug) Manley, Dawn Lias , Holly (John) Sabaliauskas, and Laura (Joe) Toben; special nephew: Wes Dietrich; numerous other nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Carla is preceded in death by her parents. Lester and Wilma (Herzig) Heyl; parents in law, Lyman and Hazel (Peterson) Vennard; siblings: Lester "Fritz" Heyl, Valda (Pete) Cosgrove, Lois (Jerry) Muck, Cheryl (Dean) Gallagher, Mary (Robert) Wright, Wilma "Bebe" (Eldon) Smith, and Margaret (Robert) Lias; and brothers in law:  Gail Grimsely, Donald (Yang) Vennard, Delmer (Karen) Vennard, Wayne Vennard, Willard (Barbara) Vennard, Edward Vennard, and Lester Vennard.