Tom Valen

Tom Valen, 93, a resident of Pioneer Pointe in Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. He was born on November 21, 1913, in Garden City, Iowa, the son of Torger and Hannah (Christopherson) Valen. He grew up in Webster City, where he graduated from high school. He started in the retail and wholesale grocery business in central Iowa. His career was interrupted by service in World War II. He returned to Humboldt, Iowa, where he operated a hardware and appliance store until 1964. He went on to the insurance and real estate business until his retirement in 1978. On March 7, 1938, he married Florence Miller. The couple settled in Humboldt to raise their family, and resided there for 57 years. They moved to Fergus Falls in 1998 to be near family. Tom is most remembered as a master salesman, a fine woodcraftsman, and a great Dad. Survivors include his wife, Florence of Fergus Falls; three children: Gary Valen (wife Betsy Lyman) of Poolesville, Maryland, Tom J. (Martha) Valen of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Mary Beth (Charles) Ehrenberg of Fergus Falls; four grandchildren: David (Leannette) Valen, Mary Valen, Anna (Matt) Kjesbo, and Megan Ehrenberg; three step grandchildren: Jon, Tom, and Allison Spencer; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Etheleen and Phyllis. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be given to the Pioneer Retirement Community Foundation or the American Heart Association. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Dr. Daren Flinck Interment: Indian Mound Cemetery, Humboldt, Iowa Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls