Rev. Dr. David Lear Valen

The Rev. Dr. David L. Valen (retired USAF Colonel) was born on July 7, 1936 in Ft. Dodge, IA. He died on August 2, 2021 at home in Plymouth, MN. He grew up in Butterfield, MN where he graduated from High School. He then went on to graduate from St. Olaf College and Luther Seminary, later receiving a Dr. of Ministry Degree from Luther Seminary. He served a church in Hibbing, MN before entering the USAF, where he served over 20 years as a Chaplain at Grand Forks AFB, Fuchu Air Base in Tokyo, Japan, Edwards AFB, Andrews AFB, Thule Air Base, Greenland, Chanute AFB, and ended his career as Base Chaplain back at Grand Forks AFB. Upon his retirement from the military, he served for 20 years at Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park, after which he did Interim Ministry at several metro area churches. He was a member of the Minneapolis Area Synod Senior Band and the Augsburg Centennial Singers.

He is survived by his wife Ardis (Davern) Valen, children Michael (Dene) Valen, Maria (Jeff) Crees, grandchildren Heidi (Connor) Johnson, Eric Crees (fiancé Alyson Welle), step grandchildren Edwin Valen, Dustin (Sarah) Vaughn. Siblings Doug (Pat) Valen, Martha (Dr. Ronald) Rossing, John (Cheryl Hoium) Valen, Dr. Peter (Berit) Valen and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by parents Rev. Elmer and Adella Valen and mother-in-law Anna Davern.

Dave loved to make others laugh and frequently spoke of the 3 “M’s” that mattered most in life- music, mirth, and memories.

Funeral Thursday, August 12, 2021 11 AM at Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 S. Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park.  Visitation at church one hour prior to service.

Graveside service with US Air Force honors 1 PM Friday, August 13 at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Westwood Lutheran Church.