Robert "Bob" Valek

1941 - 2025

Nerstrand - Robert Valek, age 84 of Northfield, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Robert Roman Valek was born on February 27, 1941, in Northfield, Minnesota to Frank and Marcella (Malecha) Valek. He was baptized and confirmed at Hazelwood and attended Country School and Rosary School before graduating from Northfield High School in 1959. He joined the U.S. Navy, serving in the Mediterranean. When Robert was asked about his time in the service, he would famously smile, snicker, and say "he peeled a LOT of potatoes." After receiving his honorable discharge, Bob married Sandra Johnson on September 8, 1962, at Most Holy Trinity in Veseli. They settled on the family farm; Bob did road construction and ran the Big Steer from 1970 to 1980. He worked for Webster Township for 13 years in road maintenance and worked for Webster Co-Op from 1980-1990 as the Webster Township snowplow. Bob retired in 2003. Bob traveled all over in his RV including frequent trips to visit his granddaughter, Debra. He enjoyed many visits to the Quarterback Club for their chicken, the nightly FOX News, as well as nights spent in the workshop with the guys. Survivors include his daughter, Corinne Duncan of Northfield; son, Rick Valek of Nerstrand; bonus son, Steve Anderson; five grandkids; 12 great-grandkids; brother, Lawrence (Delores) of Northfield; sisters-in-law, Dolores Valek and Delores Valek; other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; his son, Scott; brothers John and Ernest; brother, Francis; sisters, Elsie Sirek, Irene (Leonard) Horejsi and Mamie Tuma; and his parents, Frank and Marcella. A celebration of Robert's life will be held from 11AM to 2PM on Saturday, November 8 at the Historic Trondhjem Church of Lonsdale. Robert will be laid to rest at the Trondhjem Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com