Lt. Col. Robert Olaf Venes

Lt Col (Ret) Robert Olaf Venes 

November 16, 1937 – August 14, 2025

Robert Olaf Venes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on November 16, 1937, in Springfield Gardens, NY, to Norwegian immigrants Aagot and Olaf Venes, Robert dedicated his life to his family and his country.

Robert graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1955, before joining the United States Air Force in 1958.  He graduated from Harlingen Air Force Base, Texas, as a Second Lieutenant on July 21, 1959. Shortly after, he met and married the love of his life, Sharon “Kay” Milliar. Their marriage spanned 64 beautiful years, a testament to their unwavering love and devotion.

During his distinguished military career, Lieutenant Colonel Venes served as a C-130 Navigator with honor and distinction, including combat tours in Vietnam. He earned several military service awards and medals during his service- most notably, the United States Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Among his fondest memories was flying Bob Hope on a Christmas USO tour to bring joy to the troops overseas. Robert and Sharon cherished their time together during assignments around the world, with their warmest memories made at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. He pursued his education diligently, attending universities in Nebraska and New Hampshire, and earned a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

While Robert deeply loved his service to the nation, his greatest devotion was always to his family. On August 31, 1978, he retired from the Air Force to spend more time with Sharon and their children. He later worked in the semiconductor industry until his final retirement in 2000. In retirement, Robert enjoyed playing golf, especially visiting Cripple Creek, and spending time with his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Papa.”

Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon “Kay” Venes; his son, Keith Robert Venes (wife Rose Wood); his daughter, Kami Kaleen Hedrick. He was a proud grandfather to Kaitlyn Hardemon, Gavin Venes, Brady Hedrick, and Nathaniel Blount, and a great-grandfather to Zoey Rowland. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Allen Venes, sister, Virginia Riffey, brother-in-law, Admiral (Ret.) A. Kent Riffey, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dr. Joan L. Venes (2010).

Lt. Col. Venes’s life was defined by his integrity, dedication, and love for those around him. His legacy of service and devotion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held for Robert Venes at Pikes Peak Cemetery on September 12, 2025, at 12:00 noon.