Valerie Bleeker

Valerie (Drews) Bleeker, 79-year-old resident of St. Cloud formerly of Little Falls and Swanville died Monday, February 17 at grand-daughter's Nicole's home. A Memorial Service will be held at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service on Saturday, May 1 at 11:00 A.M. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of the service.

Valerie Carole (Drews) Bleeker was born on January 7, 1941 in Swanville, Minnesota to the late Richard and Hilda (Vanselow) Drews. She grew up in Swanville, MN where she graduated with the class of 1959. She was married to Rodney Bleeker on December 23, 1962 in Denver, Colorado. The couple lived in Denver, CO, St. Louis Park, MN, Ocala, FL, Keota, OK and finally settled down in Swanville, Minnesota. Valerie worked at Harvey's Lumber in Long Prairie, MN and was the receptionist at St Francis Convent in Little Falls for over 25 years retiring at the age of 71. She was also an election judge for Culdrum Township. She loved doing puzzles, dancing and she even took square dancing lessons in 50's, gardening and fishing on Moose Lake near Burtrum. Valerie did volunteer work at St. Francis Convent, St Gabriel's Hospital, Habitat for Humanity and the Carnegie Library. Valerie donated her body for research to the U of M in hopes that they can find a cure for diabetes.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Gregg Bleeker of Pierz and Vanessa (Paul) Tykwinski of Little Falls; 7 grandchildren, Nicole, Jett , Adam, Ian, Taylor, Lexi and Chandler and 4 great-grandchildren, Aubree, Odin, Loki and Felix.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Hilda Drews and her husband Rodney Bleeker.

The arrangements for Valerie are with Emblom Brenny Funeral Service. 320-632-4393.