August 27, 1939 – December 6, 2024
The Reverend Richard F. Venus, 85, died on December 6, 2024. Richard was born on August 27, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Marcia Venus, whom he married on July 8, 1985; daughter, Anita Venus Iguchi, of Dayton, Ohio; son, Rob Venus (Jana), of Denver, Colorado; and step-son, Eric Soller (Stephanie), of Dayton, Ohio. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Anna Russell, Misa Iguchi, Sophie Soller, Jolie Venus, and Elliot Soller. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Evelyne Venus, and his sister, Ginger.
Always learning and with various interests, Richard graduated from Adrian College in 1961 and then Union Theological Seminary in New York City with a Master of Divinity. He served in the Methodist ministry in inner-city Detroit for over a decade. He then earned a degree in Counseling and Guidance from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan, and worked in youth counseling. Richard later earned a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Michigan and worked as a reporter for a Michigan newspaper.
Richard discovered his true calling while substituting for a friend as a Unitarian minister. He served as a Unitarian Universalist minister for 30 years, first at the Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty, Michigan, then 14 years at the Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Oakwood and Centerville, Ohio. After retiring from MVUUF, he served for 13 years as a part-time minister at the First Universalist Church of New Madison, Ohio.
Richard was deeply committed to social justice and advocated for liberal social and political causes. He served on many boards and committees that reflected his unwavering belief in equality. A steadfast supporter of Planned Parenthood, he dedicated his time to ensuring reproductive care was accessible to all women.
In addition to his professional work, Richard enjoyed many hobbies, including playing the mandolin, gardening, and traveling. He was a runner and a tennis player, playing regularly throughout his life. Richard was also a passionate writer and author of Every Place Is Holy Ground: When Religion Is Not Enough, a collection of his sermons and articles.
Richard was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015, the disease that also caused the death of his mother, Evelyne Venus.
A celebration of life will be held at Cox Arboretum MetroPark, 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, Ohio, on Sunday, January 12, at 2:00 PM, with sharing of memories at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Last Updated on February 26, 2025