Carol J. Valeski

Carol was born Jan. 5, 1939, to the late Ernest and Tellerva (Larson) Niemi in Negaunee, MI. She married Theodore Valeski and they raised four children together. Carol was a proud homemaker for over 30 years and took fine care of her “Teddy Joe” and the kids. In her later years, she and Theodore traveled all over the United States in their RV. They had a home in Apache Junction, Ariz. where they loved to spend time and enjoyed hiking the beautiful Arizona mountains.

Carol leaves behind her husband of 67 years, Theodore; sons, Michael (Dawn) and Ernest (Cherish); daughter, Cindy (Wayne) Hellerstedt; daughter-in-law, Michelle Valeski; sister, Violet (Larry) Joseph; and grandchildren, Adam, Aimee, Andrew, Alexander, Lucy, Joseph, and Madeline; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Carol loved her family and dearly enjoyed her grandchildren. Her proud Finnish spirit of sisu was instilled throughout her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Theodore “Ted” Valeski Jr.; and four sisters, Jean Lawson, Mae Kassmann, Marlene King, and Sherry Lusardi.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford with Fr. Joe Gouin presiding.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Carol Valeski online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.