James Valdahl
July 28, 1932 ~ March 20, 2015
James Valdahl, age 82, of New Hampton, IA, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2015 with his family by his side.
Jim was born on July 28, 1932 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Edor and Clara (Lenninger) Valdahl. Raised in Spencer, Iowa and graduated from high school in the Spring of "1949" from Spencer High School. Jim attended Pharmacy College at the University of Iowa in Iowa City graduating in 1958. He served two years in the US Army after which he met and married Betty Jean Loftis. From this union four children were born: Nancy, Susan, Karen and Michael. Betty died of cancer at the age of 32. Jim married Merry Dedic on August 19, 1972, blessing this family with her sons: Tony and Brad Dedic. Jim and Merry have been married 42 years raising their children in New Hampton. He worked over 50 years at Gardner Drug and Jim's Pharmacy. Jim greatly cared about his clients he served throughout the years. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and will always be remembered as a very kind and gentle person. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hampton Country Club, New Hampton Lions Club, University of Iowa Alumni Association, and the NRR.
Jim is survived by his wife Merry Valdahl of New Hampton; children Nancy (Thomas) Inserra of Cave Creek, AZ, Gray "Tony" Dedic of Hayward, CA, Susan Worley of Rio Rancho, NM, Karen (Mark) Steffes of Cedar Falls, IA, Brad (Beth) Dedic of Roland, IA, and Mike Valdahl of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren John and Elizabeth Inserra, Lucas and Adam Brown, Sam Worley, and Jacob and Spencer Dedic; brother Thomas (Linda) Valdahl of Decatur, IL; sister Donna Vogt of Spencer, IA and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Edor and Clara Valdahl, his wife Betty and his sister Mary Heintz
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To the family of Jim, we extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. He was truly a wonderful man who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Memories that he has given us will be cherished forever. I personally wouldnt be doing what I have been doing for 30 years if it wasnt for Jim. He taught me more than any book could have and more importantly he taught me so much about life in general. I am so glad that all of you shared him with me for all these years. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you. Rest in peace Jim!!
Brad, Beth, and boys, So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers of care to you all. Susan and LeRoy Kester
Even if only for a short time, it was a privilege to care for Jim. My condolences to Merry and your families. Jan Summers
Merry and family, Our sympathy and prayers to all of Jims family. Jim was a wonderful husband and father and will be missed by many in the community. May he rest in peace.
Merry and the whole family-our deepest sympathies on your loss of Jim. He was such a quiet person with a great wit. I remember him as always being very professional and devoted to his family. We loved playing bridge with him. May you find comfort in all your memories. Sorry we will be unable to attend services as we are still in Florida. Marge and Rich
My sympathy to you, Merry, and your family. That house on the corner of Locust and Cleveland holds many memories of your family and mine! Thinking of you with love and prayer – Karen Hurst
So sorry to hear of Jims passing. I always enjoyed talking to him. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. (Linda Langin)
Lance and I want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you Merry and your family. Jim was a wonderful, soft spoken and calming man in his profession. Prayers and Gods blessing to each member of his family during this time of grief. Lance and Jan Manson
Merry and family, Our thought and prayers go out to all. Jim was a very special person , So soft spoken and Kind. What a very nice picture you have of him to remember Special Husband-Father-Grandfather-Friend (if pictures could talk) . Take care Merry. Dan and Karen Rosonke
Merry and family, So sorry for your loss . Jim was one of the most helpful people in his profession. Cherish your memories. Duane and Pat Lynch
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with All of you at this difficult time. Judy Hartshorn Shelly Hartshorn Slick
Dearest Nancy loving Valdahl family, Our warmest condolences on the passing of a truly gentle man, a caring father, grandfather, uncle. Jim will be remembered for his great kindness, and integrity. Jeannie Tom Inserra.
Please accept our sincere condolences. May the words quoted from this song bring you a measure of comfort as it did for us. If a man or woman should die, can they live again Hear the promise God has made He will call; The dead will answer. They shall live at his command. For he will have a longing For the work of his own hand. So have faith, and do not wonder, For our God can make us stand. And we shall live forever, As the work of his own hand (Job 1413-15)
To the Jim and Merry Valdahl Family~~~~ My deepest sympathy to all of you. When my family planned to move to Iowa I personally handed my son-in-laws resume to Jim at the Pharmacy. And within days the Rasmussen family would be moving to New Hampton! May your Faith and your memories of a very kind man give you strength and courage as you continue Lifes Journey!
With our deepest sympathy. The sad loss of a very gentle loving man. God bless each of his family members let behind. May he hold all of you extra close these next few days.
Our thoughts and prayers are out to you all. Tom and Ruth Bernatz
Yes, he will indeed be missed! This gentle, helpful man was a pillar for Bob and me for many years. I was so very happy when he and Merry found each other! The rest is history.