Mark Valnes

Mark Nolan Valnes was born on November 23, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and passed away on January 1st, 2026, at his home in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Mark was 69 at the time of passing.

Mark is survived by his father Richard A Valnes, His mother Hazel Potter (McQuinn), and his two younger brothers, Paul Valnes (67) of Spokane Valley, Washington, and John Valnes (61) of Carson, Washington, as well as his nephew, Jared Valnes, and nieces Emily Regno, Laura Valnes and Grace Valnes.

Mark spent a good portion of the latter part of his life in Wasco, Oregon.

Mark Graduated from Wishram High School, in Wishram, Washington in 1976, and from there, he went into the US Army. Mark received an honorable discharge from the US Army in July of 1981.

Mark graduated from the College of Southern Idaho in their Diesel Mechanics program in 1985, and then graduated from Boise State University's Professional truck driving school in March of 1987.

Mark spent most of his life as a professional truck driver driving long haul trucks all across the country.

Professional driving was his ambition and joy in life. Mark set out at a young age to be a truck driver and he accomplished that goal, and remained a successful long haul truck driver for many years.

When Mark retired from driving, he set out on his retirement career of fishing.

If Mark wasn't fishing he was always getting ready for fishing the next season.

Mark's circle of friends came from his love of fishing on the Columbia River and the church.

Mark found his second home and second family at the Wasco Church of Christ. It was there where he was baptized on July 21, 2024.

Mark will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon on January 23, 2026, At 11:00 a.m.

Mark's memorial service will be held on January 24, 2026, at Wasco Church of Christ in Wasco, Oregon at 11:00 a.m.

Pastor Jerry Krewson will be the officiant and the celebrant speaker for both events. The family expresses their great thanks to Pastor Krewson and the family at Wasco CoC for their hospitality and love for Mark.