ONTONAGON COUNTY, MI— The body of an Ontonagon kayaker reported missing in July of last year has been identified.
Dale Venema, 74, was last seen kayaking on July 14, 2023. A search for him lasted several days but he was never found.
On Sunday, a male body was located in Lake Superior in Ontonagon Township. The Ontonagon County Medical Examiner confirmed Tuesday that it was Venema.
The Michigan State Police thanks the following for their help in the case: the Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Office, Ontonagon County Prosecutor’s Office, Ontonagon County Medical Examiner's Office, Negaunee Regional Communications Center, United States Coast Guard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State Police Marine Services Unit, Bruce’s Legacy Search and Recovery of Wisconsin, the Ontonagon Harbormaster, and Village of Ontonagon employees. State Police also want to thank the residents and visitors of Ontonagon who provided information that helped lead to this recovery.
