Nicholas Venlos

Nicholas Venlos (Nick the Greek) went to meet his Lord on Sunday, October 18, 2026. He was born in Athens, Greece, and adopted when he was six years old by Warren and Eleanore Venlos.

He studied at Godwin Heights schools. His favorite workplace was St. John’s Home, and he also worked in concert services and other positions. He loved working with children. He also loved fishing and especially spending time with his grand- and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed cookouts with friends, and to them he was known as Nick the Greek. He loved his dog, Barnes, and is walking him now in Heaven.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Eleanore Venlos, as well as his son, Andy Lee.

He is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Kathy Augdahl; his children, Bill Venlos, Tom (Nicole) Lynch, Nicole (Rick) Venlos; his cousins, Renee (Tom) Purdy and Kenneth (Debbie) Serbin; and Chris (Joe) Yancharas, whom he thought of as his daughter. He is also survived by his brother, Russ (Amy) Venlos. He was especially close to his grandchildren: Jorden Rector, Nathan (Julia Reagan) Rector, and Maxwell Rector, Nicholas Venlos, Alyssa Venlos, and Makayla Bonnington; and his great grandchildren, Magnolia Palma and Addy Rector. He battled cancer like a warrior, and his caregivers were like his family: Sandy, Herb, and Sarah.

A scriptural funeral service will be held November 20, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4104 Clyde Park Avenue, SW, Wyoming MI 49509. Family will greet visitors at the church at 10:30 am. 

His ashes will be laid to rest in his home country of Greece at a later date.