Valerie Rae Oestreich

Valerie Rae Oestreich, 73, Willow River, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. She was born on February 14, 1942 in Palo Alto, CA to Fritz and Helen Johnson. Valerie grew up in the Moose Lake area. Through the years, Valerie lived in both California and later Minnesota. Where she worked as a cook at Chef's Cafe in Moose Lake, Jan & Gary's in Sandstone, and also at Grand Casino in Hinckley. Valerie was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Willow River and was involved in the Ladies Aid. She loved dominoes, cards, embroidery, crocheting, and the company of her dog, Pebbles.

Valerie was preceded in death by her first husband, James Rock; sister & brother-in-law: Glee and Budwin Janiksela; and a sister and brother-in-law: Wink & Clarence Anderson.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 24 years: John of Willow River; two sons: Mitch (Linda) Rock of Willow River and Tim (Carolyn) Rock of Willow River; daughter: Tammy (Kurt) Newman of Brook Park; step-son: Gene Oestreich of Willow River; sister: Barb Nelson of Moose Lake; 8 grandchildren: JT (Michelle) Rock of Hinckley; Kristina Rock of Willow River; Timothy (Crystal) Rock of Moose Lake; Amanda (Dusty) Opperud of Willow River; Tommy (Beth Nelson) Rock of Hinckley; Stephanie (Zach) Fowler of Willow River; Kurt Newman of Pine City; and Paige (Hayden) Brown of Brook Park; numerous great grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Gary Anderson; Shari Anderson; Danny Anderson; Debbie Hall; Karen (Scott) Dahlen; Vicki Cisar; Pam (Ron) Mumm; and Jim Nelson; and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 1:00 PM in the First United Presbyterian Church in Willow River.