Dale L. Valent

Dale L. Valent, 72, Kronenwetter, died Sunday, November 16, 2008 at home, with his loving wife at his side. He was born May 18, 1936, in Shawano, son of Pauline (Steinke) Valent and the late Lucien Valent. On October 5, 1963 he married Marie Felch at St. John Lutheran Church, Easton. She survives. Dale was a United States Army Veteran, during his enlistment, his duties were as a field communications crewman. He was a hard-working farmer and truck driver all his life. Besides working on his parents farm, he worked for Gohdes Trucking, Wausau and Wausau Oil until 1973 when he and Marie took over the family farm. The couple farmed until they sold the farm in 1978. He then drove semi for Klemn Tank Lines, Green Bay for 15 years, "retiring" in 2003. Dale stayed busy in retirement, working several part-time jobs. He was a proud and devoted father, who loved visiting his daughters in Michigan and Iowa. He was also a great father-in-law to Andy and Chi. His granddaughter Mackenzie held a special place in grandpa's heart and time spent together was treasured. In his spare time, Dale enjoyed "making wood," puttering in the garage and collecting model construction equipment; which he proudly displayed. He always had time for coffee with the guys and quite often he'd head to the "office" on his four-wheeler to meet with the neighbors to solve all the world's problems. Survivors include his wife, Marie; his mother, Pauline; two daughters, Kathy (Andrew) Collins, Plover and Karen (Chi) Woodrich, Fort Dodge, IA; one granddaughter, Mackenzie Collins; two sisters Ginny Krueger, Wausau, and Darlene Susec, Milwaukee, nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. The family would like to extend a thank-you to Dr. Chris Peterson and the entire staff at UW Cancer Center. Funeral services will be Noon, Thursday, November 20, 2008 at St. John Lutheran Church, town of Easton. Rev. Timothy Coppersmith will officiate. Entombment will be in the Garden of Eternal Rest Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Post #10, Wausau. Friends may call Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com