The Honorable Don R.Venhaus died April 8, 2025 with a sharp mind that outlasted his iron tough but failing body, weeks before his 92nd birthday. Born in the tiny town of Cambridge, Nebraska with little means and no indoor plumbing, he was raised on land that provided the food his family grew and caught. He was a notoriously poor student who graduated high school as one of ten from the class of ’51. He attended the University of Nebraska on a football scholarship, which was forfeited by his campus antics and an abysmal GPA. He then entered the Army, where he spent some of the best days of his early life as a physical fitness sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood. There he played football against Heisman trophy winners, and was awarded a second chance for an education. He completed his undergraduate degree in philosophy at the University of Tulsa, which set in motion his lifelong love affair with words and ideas: philosophy, poetry, great literature and politics. He later completed a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas and was a proud Jayhawk.

Those degrees helped launch his career in public service in Lawrence, Kansas and led his young family to Arkansas in 1969. As Director of Community Development for the City of Little Rock, he made the controversial decision to immediately desegregate the Department of Public Works upon arrival. He was a master planner and served as an expert witness in zoning matters across the country. He ran strong for Pulaski County Judge in 1981, serving two terms, and making ground breaking decisions and appointments. In his usual fashion, Judge Venhaus chose the public’s best interest over politics and personalities, and this was evidenced by often tumultuous relationships with the quorum court, judges, and reporters. A natural leader and visionary, he was tough but fair and held himself and others to the highest standards, winning the respect and loyalty of his teams and constituents.

Judge Venhaus spent his retirement with his lifelong loves of hunting and fishing. For more than twenty years he fished for wild trout in the streams of Wyoming and Montana, and hunted the plains of Kansas. He relished in his role as father and grandfather, Tyler’s “Papa.” His greatest love of all was his family and he was surrounded by love every day of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Frances Venhaus, his beloved son Monte, and son-in-law Randy Bradley. He is survived by his life partner, Judy Robertson, daughters Dana Venhaus and Dr. Connie Venhaus (Cass Huff), granddaughter Tyler Venhaus Beneke Kinalski (Adam Kinalski), brother Jeff Venhaus (Char), and cousin Ginger Stickell. The family is thankful to Viola Simmons and Jimmie Morgan, who made every day brighter by feeding his birds, bringing the four legged girls to visit, and tending to him with loving kindness.Through his last days, Judge Venhaus received outstanding medical care from the VA Home Based Primary Care Team, to whom the family is deeply grateful. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the Humane Society of Pulaski County (of which he was past president of the board) or to the charitable organization of your choice.

“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” -From Invictus by William Ernest Henley

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