Valerie Lynn Kircher

1967 - 2025

Valerie Lynn (Nelson) Kircher couldn't wait to make her mark on this world, so she showed up 7 1/2 weeks early on March 4th, 1967. She weighed in at a whopping 3.2 lbs. The Doctor asked her mother if she was going to call her "weak beer." She was born in Winona..that's WI-nona, as in Wisconsin; not Wy-nona, as in Why do people mispronounce it? She moved to Caledonia, MN and lived with her Mother, Sharon M. (Thilmany) Nelson and Robert L. Nelson. She loved Caledonia and her large extended family and huge connection of friends she made there. In going to Mass at St. Mary's, as a child, she often wished and dreamed of having a large family of her own that would fill a whole pew. She graduated CHS in 1985 and went back to Winona for Cosmetology School. God's providence interceded and she had to drop out when someone stole her last semester's money from her purse while out dancing with her friends. Knowing she needed to do something, she next looked at joining the U.S. Air Force. She went through the Air Force Recruiter in Winona and began her entrance processing; however, there were difficulties to overcome. In that span of time, that recruiter left and Val made contact with the recruiter in La Crosse. Due to legitimate reasons, she was not able to join the Air Force and a relationship blossomed with that recruiter and they were married for 37 1/2 years and raised 8 children of their own, 2 step-sons and many, many adopted children who were friends of their own children.

Valerie was a collector of lost souls. She was known to play "Words with Friends" and connect with and help to mend "broken souls" through her kind words and loving heart. As well as other virtual forums from the comfort of her country castle. In contacting these lost souls, now good friends, to advise of Val's passing; they all were horribly shocked and sang her praises how she had helped them through difficult times. It is amazing to read all the wonderful comments from friends she touched over the years and miles. Her reach was profound and she never considered herself a hero. She remained humble to a fault; but a better friend, you could never find.

Valerie was a very social person and she and Mark loved to entertain and hold parties. Every summer for the past several years, they held a 4th-ish of July party for their church family; sometimes entertaining between 100-200 people for a day of fun, camaraderie, and fellowship. They sponsored a "Bike to Mary" troop every year that fed tens of bikers on their pilgrimage from Holy Hill to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadelupe. They hosted an always anticipated yearly 'Epiphany Party" forever growing numbers of participants. Valerie, always the perfect Hostess, LOVED to do these things. She and Mark and the kids tag-teamed and provided daycare for many years in Caledonia, Cashton, and Kendall. Knowing the parents rushing nature, it was not uncommon for Valerie to make a breakfast sandwich for the parent who dropped them off to eat on their way to work.

She was blessed with numerous talents including photography, cooking, decorating, fashion, encaustic art and beeswax candles. She had an eclectic eye for things and could find a way to make them all work together. Valerie would tell you, however, her greatest work of art and favorite talent in life was her children and grandchildren. Always quick to tell them of her abundant and endless love for them. How proud she was of them, and how dearly she held them in her heart. Their first and biggest fans in life. In the days before her passing she shared in a family group message words from one of the favorites: Winnie the Pooh, that ring in the hearts of those left behind "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever". Anyone who met Valerie knew of her love for her family as she spoke of her 8 (10) children and how happy she was to sit amongst the chaos of a large family. As family gatherings took place, she'd be seated right in the middle of it all, laughing, singing, or watching. If you asked her though, her family extended much farther that the friendly confines of "Kircher Castle" and reached into every home of her church families. She had a great love for all those that she encountered and that has been made beautifully evident by those who have reached out, extended well wishes, prayers, stories, stopping by the house and other support. She loved being a part of the faith community her and Mark joined in 2000. Valerie's great investment was in love and she had that in abundance. Willing to give it to any soul she could.

Valerie is survived by her devoted husband, Mark; her mother, Sharon Nelson; her children, Zachary (Judsonia, AR) and his children James, Ethan and Braylee; Jonathan (Madison); Tyler, his wife Clare, and their in utero, son Sebastian (Stetsonville, WI); Shayna (Madison, WI); Jared, his wife Madelyn, their daughter Lucia (Vadnais Heights, MN), Noah (Kendall, WI); Annah (West Salem, WI); Rebekah (Cashton, WI); and Elijah Kircher (Camp LeJeune, NC). Her brother Christopher and his wife Leah and their children Audrey, Ruby, Piper and Moira. Her brother-in-law Rory Yuille from Glasgow, Scotland; and many, many dear aunts/uncles/cousins and extended family.

Valerie was preceded in death by her beloved Father Robert Nelson, her sister Vanessa, Her parents-in-law Romaine and Blanche Kircher, and her step-son Steven Kircher. We would be remiss if we failed to mention her beloved Gramma Winifred Block also.

Visitation was held Sunday, March 2nd at the Torkelson Funeral home, 720 Wisconsin Street in Cashton, WI from 1-5pm, and before the Requiem Mass from 10-10:30 am at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadelupe, 5250 Justin Road, La Crosse, WI with the Requiem Mass at 10:30 am. Upon completion of the Mass, the procession took place from the Shrine to the burial site at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary cemetery, 26400 Co Hwy U, Norwalk, WI where internment will took place and a reception to followed.