Joyce Elaine Valentino, 87, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin passed away on August 26th, 2020 at Meadowbrook Nursing Home surrounded by her family.
She was born on October 22nd, 1932 to Clarence and Jennie (Petersen) Lowrie in New York Mills, Minnesota.
Joyce grew up on the family dairy farm with her older sister, Gladys. She graduated from Bemidji State University and worked as a teacher at Crosby Catholic School in Crosby, MN. On July 3rd, 1954, she married Richard Valentino and raised six children together. They were together over 66 years.
In 1969, she & her family moved to Black River Falls, Wisconsin, following Rich’s job with the Iron Mine. She was an active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and a Miners’ Wives group. Joyce loved to read and write, especially poems. She collected antiques and would often stop at garage sales and auctions searching for treasures. Joyce was an excellent cook & baker, and loved to prepare wonderful meals to celebrate the holidays with her whole family-She especially loved birthdays and made them special for everyone!
Both Richard and Joyce loved to travel. They packed up the family for many road trips, and spent many memorable times at Sunset Beach, near Perham, Minnesota.
Above all, Joyce enjoyed spending time with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She offered a welcoming home and was loved by all who entered.
Joyce Elaine Valentino is survived by her husband, Richard Valentino; her Children- Dena (Steve) Stenulson, Geno (Mary), Danette (Karl) Hackbarth, Jolene (Bill) Teeples, Dino (Kelly), and Marla (Tim) Wiste; her Grandchildren- Matthew (Lexi) Stenulson, Francesca (Greg) Bird, Nicholas (Ja’Nean) Valentino, Noah (Sophia) Valentino, Heidi (Douglas) Jensen, Megan, Adam, and Allison Hackbarth, Cassandra (Joe) Backus, Steven (Marcie) Teeples, Jennie (Chris) Wettstein, Christina (Jack) Taylor, Miranda (Philip) Cooper, Lindsey (Luke) Sipple, Jessica (Tucker) Rockwell, Olivia Valentino, Isabelle and Noelle Wiste; her Great-Grandchildren- Darien & Isaac Lowe, Elliot, Arika, Tyson & Emmett Bird, Avery & Evan Valentino, Dominick & Aneres Valentino, Grace & Lucas Jensen, Braylon & Gianna Backus, Max & Easton Teeples, Abigail Taylor, Bronson and Carter Wettstein, Sophia & Lily Cooper, Madeline Sipple; and her Niece Karen (Lloyd) Warren, and Nephew Mark (Jean) Smith.
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Clarence & Jennie Lowrie, her Sister Gladys, a Grandson, Jordan Valentino, and a Great-Granddaughter, Valencia Valentino.
Memorials will be used to establish a scholarship fund for a Black River Falls High School senior.
The Torgerson’s Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
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