Service Details
Henry’s Homegoing Service will be held at Greater Mt. Eagle Missionary Baptist Church, 929 State St., on Saturday, January 5th at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Keith T. Evans officiating. Visitation will be in the church the same day from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.
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Henry Allen Venzant, 67, was called Home by his Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 27, 2018.
Born in Belden, MS on January 17, 1951, Henry was the son of the late Robert Wesley and Via Ella (née: Smith) Venzant. Moving to Wisconsin at the age of 15, Henry graduated from Horlick High School in Racine in 1969 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree (1976) and two master’s degrees (1980 and 1982) from UW-Stout. Henry was united in marriage to Rhonda Lynn Venzant (née: Herman) in a beautiful park in Eau Claire, WI on August 17, 1974. Henry and Rhonda began their marriage by serving in the Peace Corps, stationed in Suva, Fiji, where they created lifelong friendships and memories, and had their first child. Henry began his professional career in private industry at Unisys and then Lockheed Martin, where he helped develop computer systems for military defense and also worked on the Doplar weather system we use today. However, most knew him from his second career as an industrial arts and technology education teacher, first at Milwaukee Technology High School followed by many years at Washington Park High School in Racine, until he retired in 2010. Henry attended Greater Mt. Eagle Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of the Racine Area Educators Retirees Association. Outside of work, Henry loved to play bridge, chess, and was an avid bowler.
Henry leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Rhonda; children, Terah Talei (Glenn) Chambers of East Lansing, MI, Domonique Anare Venzant of Minneapolis, MN, Vanea Heidi (Rodney) Marten of Wausau, WI, and Ahron Jordan Venzant of West St. Paul, MN; grandson, Langston Malcolm Toure Chambers of East Lansing, MI; sister, Monica Ann Dixon of Kenosha, WI; brother, Rufus VanGerald (Merchell) Venzant-Moore of West Memphis, AR; step-sisters, Lula Williams and Diana Moore; step-brothers, Sam Moore and Odie Moore of Kansas City, MO; aunts Pinkie Smith of Racine, WI, Louise Smith of Racine, WI, and Everlena Smith of New Albany, MS; uncle, James (Marie) Venzant Sr of Memphis, TN; and godchild, D’Angelo Darion Ronal Dixon of Racine, WI. While his parents pursued job opportunities in the North, Henry and his siblings spent their childhood with their grandparents on the family farm in Olive Branch, MS, where they were raised with family they considered siblings: his aunt, Corine (Charles) Brown of Lima, OH; his cousin, Georgia Mae Smith of Racine, WI; and his uncle, Rufus (Gwen) Scott of Olive Branch, MS. Henry also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, former students, and friends too numerous to mention. In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by grandfathers, Nathaniel Smith, Albert Venzant, and Rufus Scott; grandmothers, Daisy (née Harper) Scott and Luralee (née Tyson) Venzant; step-father, Willie Moore; brothers, Robert Lee Venzant Jr, Oliver Curtis Venzant, and Robert Venzant III; sister, Reba Lou Griffin; step-brother, Willie Moore; brother-in-law, Floyd Griffin; and three aunts and three uncles.
Bob and Dot Stocks says
We were sorry to learn of Henry’s passing. He was a member of the Humble Park Tuesday bridge group where we met him. Several times he was Dot’s duplicate bridge partner at The Lanes. His infectious laugh will be missed by all who knew him..
Anonymous says
My prayers goes out to his family!
Haven Smith says
Love u cuz
Debra May. Auburn, GA says
Henry, you shall be missed dearly.
Ellen Buschke says
Everyone remembers Henry’s big smile and wonderful laugh. You felt good being with him. He was kind and there was a sweet way about him. He will be very missed in all his circles. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family and all those who loved him.
Roseanne Worrell says
Henry was a dear friend to my husband and I, providing many fun hours of spirited bridge. He was always a gentleman, kind and fun to be with. His laugh lit up a room. I shall miss Henry.
RAY ''BIG ''C'' JACKSON says
”REST IN PEACE HENRY”
Heather Balderrama (Landvatter) says
They say it takes a village to raise a child, he was one of the handful of angels that help me get to where I am today. He took his time to help me get my drivers license. Without a license I couldn’t have driven my daddy crazy 😜 but I also couldn’t have gotten to my classes at UW Parkside or the United States Air Force recruiters office
Rest In Peace Mr Venzant
Thank you sir!!! 💕😢
Shevon Smith says
Love you cousin! Rest in Power. You will be missed.
Judy Petersen says
Henry was the best! He was a good friend, always kind with a smile. He will be missed by many.
Lee A. says
My favorite teacher. Taught me how to drive. Had the patience of a saint if you ask me. Glad i got to see him fairly regularly over the years at Mario’s and around town. Great man, and great teacher. Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected. RIP my friend.
Samantha says
I send my condolences to the family. He was my photography teacher in high school! And one of my favorites! He will be missed.
Gail Stephens says
Rest In Peace Henry.
Had fun working with you at county stadium.
Gary Scheel says
God bless Henry.
Patricia Hampton Gonzalez says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Rosie Hicks says
sorry to hear abouth your loss, you and your family have my condolence.
Anonymous says
What a wonderful person fun loving kind generous and so much more u will truly be missed Henry
Tell Barrett says
I just read this. So sorry to learn of Henry’s passing. My last year atPark we taught a PLTW class together, I felt privileged to work with him, he was a great guy. Rest in peace my friend. Tell Barrett
Studennt - Robert Birdsall says
One of the most patient and kind people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Vonnie Kis says
Henry was a very generous and intelligent man. He knew many card games and very good at bridge and sheepshead. He was young enough to be my son and very kind. I and my family are now enjoying a set of poker chips he gave me and would not accept any money from me. He will be deeply missed by many.
Mary K Shah says
To Domonique, and your family– what an incredible legacy your father has left you and your siblings!!
Many hugs to you and Laura and all your family.
Jessica says
One of my favorite teachers. My condolences to the family. Rest In Peace Mr. venzant