Cyril (Cirrie) Maude Lillian VENZ (nee Stegmann)
9/9/1912 -- 18/11/1999
Cyril Stegmann was born at Lockrose. (In 1979 she changed her first name by deed poll to Cirrie). She was the second child of 10 born to George and Lilly Stegmann (nee Butterfield). They lived on a dairy farm near Fernvale in the Brisbane Valley and went to school at Coominya. The family later relocated to Cloyna, near Murgon, on a half-share farm owned by Fredrick Wilhelm Venz. It wasn't too long before Cirrie caught the eye of Fredrick and Anna's third son. On October 1, 1930, at the age of 18, Cirrie married Adolph August Venz. George was the first of four sons born to Cirrie and Adolph, and the young family moved to a sheep property owned by Andy Cobb near Augathella. After a short time, Adolph, Cirrie and George returned to work half of the original Venz farm at Cloyna, while George (Snr)(Adolph's brother) and Gladys (Cirrie's sister) worked the other half. Here, two more sons were born to Adolph and Cirrie - Mervyn in June 1934, and Colin, in May 1937. In March 1944 the Venz family to Gympie and bought a farm on the Mary River at Fisherman's Pocket. Their life at Fisherman's Pocket was enriched by good friends and fishing trips. A favourite saying of Cirrie's was "the water's just right for fishing -- let's go". In March 1953, Adolph and Cirrie's fourth son, Kevin, was born. As the family of young boys grew up, married and moved away, Adolph and Cirrie sold the farm in 1963, and with Kevin, moved to Stenner Street in Toowoomba. Until 1972, Adolph worked at Unity cheese factory. Upon Adolph's retirement, both he and Cirrie developed a keen interest in gemstone fossicking, cutting, polishing. They became members of the Toowoomba gem club, and together they won many prizes for their work. They went on frequent fossicking forays, which were heightened by Cirrie's love for camping, damper and billy tea. Cirrie was well known for her hospitality, and many visitors tell of the fine feasts she prepared. One of her fullest missions in life was to see all of her grandchildren married - another great passion of hers was a good wedding. To this end, her grandchildren's love lives were minutely investigated. Adolph passed away in August, 1990. In October 1998 Cirrie moved to Winston House Hostel, which she termed her home away from home. Cirrie loved music, and it continued to play a large part of her life. She often played a button accordion with her sisters, Edna and Joan. On January 17 of this year, Cirrie committed her life into the hands of the Lord Jesus, and so we can say with confidence that all her tears are now wiped away as she lives in glorious eternity. She was baptised on Sunday, January 24, 1999, and became a member of the Gympie Church of Christ. A highlight of this year was celebrating her 87th birthday with her family. After some months of declining health she passed away peacefully on November 18. Cirrie was pre-deceased by her husband Adolph and son Colin, her brothers Eric and Claude and sister Mabel. She is survived by her sons George and Mervyn and families, Kevin, sisters Gladys, Eileen, Joan, Edna, June and brother Frank, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba on 14th December 1999
On Tuesday, September 15, 1998, at St Andrew's Hospital Toowoomba Qld, Reginald (Reg) Varidel passed away, after a period of deteriorating health. On Friday, September 18, a thanksgiving service commemorating Reg's life was held in the Middle Ridge Uniting Church, following a private grave-side service. Numerous family and friends attended (including three generations of his descendants from as far away as Sydney). Several of his Christian friends, and his eldest grandson David Varidel of Penrith, NSW, gave testimony to the influence for good Reg(and his late wife Myrtle) had been in their lives and those of many others. Matron and staff of "Kingswood" Retirement Home (where Reg had lived for the past few years) kindly provided an afternoon tea after the thanksgiving service. Pre-deceased in 1990 of wife Myrtle (nee Hotton), Reg is survived by two brothers, two sons, three daughters, 10 grand-children and six great-grandchildren. Never comfortable in the limelight, Reg and Myrtle were noted for their Christian hospitality and support of Evangelical Christian work. Reg was born at Chinchilla (Qld) on February 2, 1914, fifth child of Jules (Paddy) and Edith Varidel. He completed his primary schooling at Perinuan and Malakoff Road schools. After two terms at Catton Agricultural College he began to develop a lifetime skill with things mechanical, which was put to good use throughout his working life. Married to Myrtle May Horton on June 25, 1936, Reg was rejected for military service in World War II on health grounds, and subsequently helped out with various family enterprises on the Western Darling Downs, and ran farms there, on the Sunshine Coast, and near Toowoomba before settling in Toowoomba where he and Myrtle eventually retired. During the war years, he helped his brother Bill establish his grazing property "Carisbrooke', on the northern edge of the Dawson Valley. His nephew, Colin Varidel, and family continue to operate this property today. Then over the following years he operated his father's property, "Ellerslie" near Dulacca, and helped his brothers George and Stan to develop the Varidel Bros. General Store to be a thriving local business before improved communications and transport led to the deterioration of small country towns in the 1950s and 1960s. After they settled in the Toowoomba area, Reg and Myrtle joined (and were active in) the Harlaxton Church of Christ, and continued an active interest in a wide variety of evangelical activity. This included Sunday school and church services in their home at Cabarlah, and at Geham and Merritts Creek. At various times Reg had active involvement with Gospel Fishermen, Bible Society and the Christian Blind Association, and for many years Reg ran, from his home, a bookstall in association with Christian Literature Crusade. Reg is remembered by family and friends as truly a man of integrity, and would most value the legacy he has left in the high ethical and moral values he has passed on to all five of his children, who are committed Christians.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 3 November 1998
Joining religious order lifelong dream for 'JV'
Born: June 22, 1928
Died: June 15, 2002
Brother John Vianney, or "JV" as he was affectionately known, was a colourful character, remembered locally for his many years of ministry with The Shrine.
Born in Brisbane, Leo Francis Carroll was the second youngest of seven children to Patrick and Ann (nee Howe). He attended school at the Wooloowin Convent, St James's Christian Brothers College, and Gregory Terrace. Leo always wanted to join a religious order, but his father advised him against committing to such a career until he was a little older. Taking work as first an apprentice electrician after finishing school, and later at a Catholic book store in the city, Leo counted down the days until he turned 21. In 1953, Leo realised his calling at last, and joined the Blessed Sacrament Fathers in Bowral. This founding community established the work of the congregation in this second house of ministry in the Australian province. Leo took the name John Vianney after joining the Novitiate.
Brother John's next move was to Toowoomba in 1958, when the Novitiate was transferred from Bowral. This move pleased Brother John greatly, as he was a Queenslander through and through, and enjoyed being back in his home State. While ministering at The Shrine, Brother John touched the lives of many people. He was an open and friendly man, who could empathise with the concerns of others, but was also a wonderful mimic and entertainer. In true Australian style, Brother John could take the mickey out of those getting a little big for their boots, and many of his favourite sayings have become in-house parlance among his colleagues. Conversations with Brother John could often be frustrating. His mouth frequently could not keep pace with his racing thoughts, which made listening a tricky task. JV was also something of a restless spirit, not always entirely sure of himself or his dreams. Throughout his career, Brother John worked in Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne, as well as the years spent in Toowoomba. He always remained close to his brother Rick, the pair sharing a love of fishing. Brother John died in Chatswood, Sydney, aged 73. A memorial service will be held at St Anthony's Church in Memory Street, Harristown, tomorrow at 7.30pm to commemorate his life and achievements. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 11th July, 2002.
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