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Valens Waldschmidt Obituary
Fr. Valens, OFM, whose ministry as a Franciscan friar spanned almost 78 years, died Jan. 28 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. The senior member of the Province of St. John the Baptist, he would have been 97 years old March 7. Legally blind for years, he maintained a passion for ministry and learning his entire life. Fr. Valens served in parish work, preached parish missions and was a teacher and retreat master, but he is best remembered for 26 years of ministry to the mentally ill at the Pauline Warfield Lewis Center (Longview) in Cincinnati. After retiring in 1998, he served as Chaplain Emeritus and had lived in retirement at St. Paul's Archbishop Leibold Home since 2004. A native of Metamora, Ill., Fr. Valens was one of five children of Dora and Harry Waldschmidt. He attended St. Francis Seminary High School in Cincinnati, Duns Scotus College in Southfield, Mich., and Holy Family Theologate in Oldenburg, Ind., where he was ordained a priest 70 years ago in 1947. He is survived by a sister, Alma DeJohn of Ocala, Fla., nieces and nephews and his Franciscan brothers. The Reception of the Body and visitation for Fr. Valens begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at St. Paul's Archibishop Leibold Home, 476 Riddle Road, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Interment is at St. Mary Cemetery in St. Bernard. Memorials may be made to the Franciscans through Friar Works, 1615 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.
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Memories and Condolences
for Valens Waldschmidt
5 Entries
Ann VonderMeulen, OSF
January 25, 2021
Fr. Valens never tired of bringing out the best in those he met and ministered to. Once he learned that song eased my Mom when her Alzheimer's got the best of her, he'd visit her at Little Sisters, singing songs she would eagerly joined in on. The two would entertain other residents and staff after meals. What a gift!
March 13, 2017
I only knew Father Val for a short period of time.But it was enough time to realize this was a special person and priest.We both shared a love of golf .I will never forget his advice on putting.He said " Take a deep breath and say Holy Spirit help me." Every time I have putted since then this short prayer has been used by me.The lesson for me is that everything we do can be a spiritual event -even when we are playing golf!
I look forward to playing golf with Father Val in the celestial heavens!
Mark Imwalle
Sylvia Osterday
January 31, 2017
This holy and gentle man brought joy and comfort to many patients at Longview Hospital for many years as well as sharing his faith in God with those at Little Sisters and all who shared his friendship. I feel so blessed to have him in my life. His sense of humor was superb. The world is a better place because of him and will truly be missed. I will miss him so much. Rest In Peace holy & faithful servant of our Lord.
Ann Vonder Meulen OSF
January 30, 2017
Fr. Valens will undoubtedly be remembered for the joy he brought to residents and visitors alike at Little Sisters. His poetry and short stories from his "quiet time in his room" delighted many, including my Mom, also a resident there. As Alzheimer's robbed her of much interaction with others, Fr. Valens took note of her lilting soprano voice and had her singing in German. They performed duets that were always enjoyed by staff and residents.
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