Andrew Oberg Veneklasen

Andrew Oberg Veneklasen passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on January 24, 2026. He was 36 years old.

Andrew was born on April 29, 1989, in Amarillo, Texas, and spent his childhood exploring the canyons near his home. Those early years were filled with adventure – hiking deer trails, catching garter snakes, horned toads, box turtles, and observing raccoons and squirrels. Alongside his siblings, Andrew helped his parents raise and rehabilitate wildlife, developing a deep and lifelong love for animals, especially deer and birds of prey.

As a boy, Andrew played baseball and football, participated in Boy Scouts, and loved hunting and fishing. He attended Canyon High School, where he was a member of the varsity choir and known for his beautiful singing voice. At sixteen, he traveled to Scotland with the Johnson family, an experience that left a lasting impression. Also during high school, he and his friends founded the school’s bowling team and spent many happy hours knocking down pins at local bowling alleys. Andrew graduated in 2007 and went on to attend West Texas A&M University, where he joined the cheerleading squad. With his strength, athleticism, and charisma, he proudly cheered on the Buffs – and never missed a chance to blow our minds by showing off his standing backflip.

Andrew was charismatic, deeply kind, and social. He maintained a close-knit group of friends, many of whom spent countless hours at his home watching movies, listening to music, and playing video games like SuperSmash Bros and Guitar Hero. A devoted brother, he often let his little brother Gregg tag along – and to their chagrin – he beat them at everything. His oldest sister, Jennifer, fondly remembers how, as a little boy, Andrew would wait up late to greet her in the driveway when she drove home from college, a ready smile and offer to carry in her bags. His sister Carolyn, just 15-months older than Andrew, would say he was “her first best friend.” They were inseparable throughout many stages of their lives, not just childhood. Good, bad, beautiful, and ugly, he was always there for her.

Andrew was known for his gorgeous smile, his easy laugh, and a natural ability to make people feel welcome. He had a dry, quick-witted sense of humor and an impressive intellect. Andrew was famously great at trivia, highly competitive, he was always the partner you wanted on your team. He loved to dance and sing karaoke and was known for his rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing.” He was fun to be with, but even more, he was a caring and sensitive man who just knew when people were hurting or needed a friend. He would naturally gravitate to them.

He had a mischievous spirit, often quoted lines from his favorite movies, loved to smoke Black & Mild Wine wood tip cigars, and could do a wicked impression of “Kermit the Frog.” He shared his mother’s love for good food, and they spent many hours together in the kitchen as well as with him serving as grill master – begrudgingly turning her choice cuts of meat into well-done steaks. Together, they grew jalapeno pepper plants and entered a village Chili Cook-off, taking home the top prize for Hottest Chili and the People’s Choice. For many years he accompanied his brother and dad to the annual Rocky Mountain Elk Banquet where they overbid on a slew of raffle items, happily spending their dad’s money.

Andrew was a bright light to so many people.

At just 19 years old, he began working alongside his father at Timbercreek Veterinary Hospital. Over the years, he became an integral part of the clinic’s daily operations, combining his love of animals with a curiosity for science and a particular fondness for caring for baby horses. He was heavily involved with the stallions at Timber Creek, including the famous Metallic Cat and Stevie Rey Von, as well as many others. Andrew remained working at the clinic for the rest of his life, much of that time alongside his brother Gregg.

Andrew became a father at a young age, welcoming his daughter, Liliana, followed by his son, Liam, a little over five years later. Fatherhood was the great joy of his life. He shared his love of animals with his children – marveling together at foxes, releasing a kestrel back into the wild, and nurturing their curiosity about the natural world. He cherished movie nights and games at home, and he never missed the chance to take them to the theatre to see the newest Marvel movie.

Andrew’s children, as well as his nieces and nephew, brought out his playful spirit. When the kids were little, or when the cousins visited, Andrew was right there with them, playing catch, laser tag, Trivial Pursuit, and Mario Kart, and going to the arcade or the swimming pool. He took pride in attending his kids' many events and in helping to coach Liam’s baseball teams, often asking his younger brother for tips about the game. He took them on annual trips to the Tri-State Fair and the Botanical Gardens at Christmas.

He wanted the very best for Lili and Liam and was immensely proud of who they were becoming. They were his heart, his joy, and his greatest accomplishment.

Andrew is survived by his beloved children, Liliana (Lili) Veneklasen (16) and William (Liam) Veneklasen (10); his parents, Dr. Gregg and Peggy Veneklasen; his siblings Jennifer Veneklasen and Jeff Lightfoot, and their children Olivia and Hayden; Carolyn Veneklasen; and Gregg and Vanessa Veneklasen, and their children Aubriana and Adalyn.

The family will hold a private memorial service.

Andrew was a kind, charming, and sensitive soul whose life was filled with laughter. He was taken far too soon and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.