SEND FLOWERS
Obituary
David James Venier of Rockwood, husband, father, patriot, friend, and outdoorsman, passed away on April 14, 2026, with his family by his side at the VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, where he received many years of care for various health conditions.
Dave was born on October 13, 1946, to Frank and Estrella Venier (Barron) in Trenton, Michigan, and was baptised at St. Mary, Our Lady of the Annunciation, in Rockwood, where he was a longtime member. In recent years, Dave attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Trenton. Dave married Sandra Jean Venier (Fox) at St. Mary’s on October 22, 1966, and their 56 year union was blessed with their daughter Debra (Andrew) LaFleur; grandchildren, Claire (Carter) Roush, Ellen LaFleur, and great grandchild, Emerson Roush. Dave is preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, parents, brothers, Jerry and Tom Venier, and sister, Pam (Ray) Sitko.
As a child, Dave attended St. Mary Grade School and was a member of the Trenton High School class of 1965. Soon after graduation, Dave was drafted into the United States Army, completed basic and advanced training at Fort Campbell, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and was deployed to Vietnam. During his combat tour, Dave was gravely wounded in battle and transported to a US military hospital in Germany, and ultimately to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. for treatment. Dave was a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star recipient and was forever grateful for the medical care he received during his military service. After receiving an honorable discharge from the military, Dave began working on the assembly line at Kelsey-Hayes in Romulus, Michigan, where he spent 30 years before retiring. Following his retirement, he worked for a time at Patio Market and Hardware in Brownstown and later held seasonal employment at Lake Erie Metropark.
Dave’s lifelong passion for the outdoors was fostered as a youth on the shores and marshes of Lake Erie, often with his best friend and cousin, Cliff Venier, by his side. For decades, Dave was known for his passion for waterfowl hunting and being one of the most skilled trappers at the Point Mouillee State Game Area. Spring and Summer found him on Lake Erie in pursuit of perch and walleye, and the fall was spent in pursuit of deer in Atlanta, Michigan, and more recently, at his property in Leslie.
Spending time with family and friends was one of Dave’s greatest priorities. He created lasting memories on trips to Hawaii and Alaska with Sandy. Always willing to lend a hand, whether to friends, family, neighbors, or even a stranger in need. His caring nature left a meaningful impact that will be deeply missed.
The family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the VA, Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Intensive Care Unit, for their compassionate and committed care to Dave during his final days.
A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held at 10:00 am, April 20, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2565 3rd Street, Trenton, Michigan 48183. Visitation will be held at the church, beginning at 9:00 am. Burial will take place at Michigan Memorial Park, Huron Township, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Trenton, or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O.Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516.
