Dale Vennes

Dale Vennes was a modest, quiet man who didn't share the stories of his many adventures or accomplishments without being pressed. With his passing, we not only lost a husband, father, friend and military hero, but the chance to hear those tales. Dale left us October 29 after a valiant struggle with pneumonia. He was born March 13, 1936, in Halstead, Minnesota, to Olga and Martin Vennes, as the youngest of 13 children. Dale attended school in Halstead, graduated from Minneapolis High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University in California and then earned an MBA from The College of William and Mary. He entered the military after college and began a career that spanned 20 years. His rank at retirement was lieutenant colonel. Dale married Carol Kartrude on April 25, 1964, while stationed at Fort Ord, California. They had two children, Kenny and Lisa. During his military service, his family lived around the world, including Germany, The Netherlands, Taiwan, Korea, and at bases around the United States. He was fluent in Vietnamese, after attending the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, California. During service in Vietnam, he earned a Purple Heart for injuries sustained while rescuing a visiting dignitary. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Shriners for a total of 30 years. After moving to Las Cruces three years ago, he became a volunteer for the Las Cruces Museums. He enjoyed the hobbies of golf, painting, and playing mah jong with his wife and friends. Dale is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carol, daughter Lisa Brawner of Augusta, Georgia, son Kenny Vennes of Amelia Island, Florida, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, brother Harold, and sisters Gladys Hankins, Helen Skinner and Doris Shaw. He was predeceased by his step-children, Sue Ellen Vennes and Matt Vennes, and eight siblings. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman, Las Cruces. He will be interred at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, where a service with military honors will be held Monday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. PDF Printable Version