Glenn E. Venrick, age 77, passed away February 22, 2012 after a valiant struggle with heart failure. Glenn was born to Delbert W. and Iva Mae (Crosby) Venrick on November 24, 1934. He joined his Foster Brother Russell Brady and Foster Sister Goldie (Gebauer) Brady on the family farm southwest of Akron. Glenn was the third generation to live on the farmstead and lived there longer than any previous Venrick. In 2009, the Venrick farmstead was awarded a Centennial Farm designation by the state of Colorado, an honor Glenn was especially proud of.
Glenn married his high school sweetheart Janice Kay (Kundert) on June 6, 1954. They were blessed with two children, Michael (Mick) and Sari (Milsom).
Glenn was a mechanic, an amateur veterinarian, a well driller, a plumber, an electrician, an animal husbandry professor, an agronomist, and a market analyst...in short he was a farmer and rancher.
He was passionate about the land and took great pride and joy in planting the seed, watching it grow and occasionally bringing in a harvest when Mother Nature would cooperate. Glenn also operated a Cow/Calf operation. He loved the young calves, but did not love pulling them in the middle of cold snowy nights.
Glenn had many hobbies. During his years he enjoyed "rock-hounding," photography and trap shooting, but his true passion was acquiring and restoring toys. He started with farm toys (tractors), but moved to tin toys, cast iron toys, cars, trucks, and fire engines. He very much enjoyed hosting viewings of Glenn's Museum of Collectible Toys" to family, friends, FFA members and whomever should stumble into his domain. He made nay friends and memories in his quest to find the perfect toy.
Glenn was a loyal and constant member of the Akron Lions Club. For years he never missed a meeting, served in all officer roles and was always willing and eager to support the Lion's community service programs. He flipped burgers at the fair, cooked pancakes, hung flags, delivered Christmas baskets and collected glasses for his Lions Club. In 1998, he was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Award for service. Glenn lived and honored Melvin Jones' philosophy of life. "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else."
Glenn loved children. He delighted in seeing and visiting with his grandsons J Evan and Connor Venrick and his "adopted" granddaughters Chelsea and Julie Starr. An occasion never went by when he did not slip them a dollar coin, a commemorative quarter or a two-dollar bill. Glenn loved seeing his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family meant everything to Glenn. His many farm picnics and reunions were always of historic proportions and made for many memories and stories.
In the end, Glenn would want to be remembered as a faithful husband, supportive father and grandfather, loving uncle and cousin and a concerned friend to many. He will be missed, celebrated and remembered by many. He would not think about himself, but would always ask: "How are you doing?"
Glenn is survived by his wife Janice, son Michael and daughter Sari, grandsons Evan and Connor Venrick, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
A funeral service was held Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the United Methodist Church of Akron. Interment followed at Akron Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Akron Lions Club or to the United Methodist Church. Brenner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.