Venhaus, Richard

Richard H. Venhaus, 81 of New Baden, died Thursday, December 3, 2009 at Countryside Manor in Aviston. He was born November 14, 1928 in R. R. Germantown, son of John and Agnes (Dall) Venhaus. He married Rita Goebel on April 24, 1956 in New Baden and she survives. In addition to his wife he survived by a sister, Martha (Ed) Litteken of Aviston, a sister-in-law, Cecelia Goebel of St. Louis, MO and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Helen Lampe and Marie Ribbing, and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Al Lampe and Vince Ribbing, Robert Goebel, and Viola and Wilbert “Bud” Billhartz. Before his retirement Mr. Venhaus was a computer specialist at Scott Air Force Base. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War. He was a member of St. George Parish in New Baden. A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2009 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Gene Neff and Deacon Charles Litteken officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2009 and from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. There will be a prayer service Friday at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. George Parish and will be received at the funeral home.