Elmer William Venzke Jr., 82, passed away and “kicked the bucket” at his residence peacefully with his family and puppies by his side, in Texas City on Thursday, June 6, 2024. He was born on January 10, 1942, to Elmer and Estelle Venzke in Galveston, TX.

Venzke spent his younger years as an “Army Brat” traveling wherever his father was stationed from Japan to Oklahoma. The exposure to the military prompted Elmer to enlist in the US Navy from 1962 to 1965. During his tenure in the Navy, Venzke was assigned to the USS Johnston, DD-821, “The Jolly J” as an “RD” Radarman and was deployed to the Gulf during the Cuban Missile Crisis. From the Navy, Venzke joined the Army National Guard and was assigned to the 1^st Battalion 149^th Aviation Division, Ellington, Texas. Venzke retired from the Guard, as a First Sargent, 1st Sgt, “TOP”. Venzke had a total of over 37 years of Military Service. Since Venzke could not take his fatigues off he volunteered for a short time with the Texas Army Guard.

Venzke worked for Southwestern Bell for 32 years. Upon retiring Venzke sat on the couch for a short period of time until his wife, Linda and son, J.E. encouraged him to get out and find something productive to do. After a few short weeks, Venzke was enrolled in EMT school at COM. Venzke also attended the Houston Fire Department Citizens Academy and Galveston County Citizens Sheriff’s Academy (GCCSA). The Sheriff’s Academy sparked an interest in law enforcement not knowing J.E. had already found him a part-time class to attend as a joke. Well, the joke fell on us because the following afternoon he had become good friends with the Director of the Law Enforcement Academy, B. J Witburn, who successfully registered Venzke into his class. He successfully graduated from the COM Basic Peace Officer Academy as the oldest cadet at the age of 64 and achieved an associate degree in Applied Science in Criminal Justice from COM ten years after he graduated from the academy. He served as an active reserve deputy with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Department in the Criminal Investigation Division until his passing.

Volunteering was in his blood, Elmer served as a member of The Luke Society, INC providing initial medical missions to Mexico and then relocating to Galveston providing free medical care to the underserved in Galveston. Venzke was an active participant in the “Beat the Heat” program supporting the education of youth to prevent street racing. Venzke still supported the Galveston County Citizens Sheriff’s Alumni activities participating in many of them like the annual Deputy Clause, even wrapping presents.

After Trinity Lutheran Church in La Marque closed, Venzke joined Faith Lutheran Church in Dickinson and has been active in the church. As a member of the Texas Gulf Coast Tia-Piah and Kiowa Tia-Piah Societies, he loved celebrating his Native American heritage and traveling to dances. Elmer was an active leader in Boy Scouts of America, Troop 244, out of La Marque.

Venzke is most known for his quick wit and “telling it like it is”, remember he had no filter.

He is preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda and his most proud accomplishment, his son John Edward Venzke. In addition, mother of his son and dear friend, Terrilynn Rotramel; sister Evelyn Ann Smith husband Leslie and brother John Paul Venzke and sister-in-law Laurie Popovits. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, “brothers and sisters.” Venzke also leaves behind his puppies, Bailey, and Clyde.

Please join the family in celebrating his life on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at The Bayou Vista Municipal Utility District 12 2929 HWY 6 Bayou Vista 1 – 6 pm. Celebration Schedule: 1 – 2 Visitation with Family; 2 – 3:30 Celebration of Life Program; 3:30 – 6 pm Meal and Fellowship. In his honor, you are requested to wear red, white, and blue, military, or public safe attire, absolutely no suits.

A private interment will be held.

The family requests no flowers. If you would like to honor his memory, feel free to donate to a charity of your choice or one of his favorite charities. The Luke Society, INC. PO Box 16194 Galveston, TX 77552 or Galveston County Citizen Sheriff Academy Alumni Association (GCCSAAA)PO Box 791 Dickinson, TX 77539.