Valerie D. Arnesen

A Memorial visitation for Valerie D. Arnesen (nee: Juhl), 83, of Hawthorn Woods, will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 415 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich.

Valerie was born November 14, 1942, in Chicago and passed away unexpectedly December 9, 2025.

Valerie was the beloved wife of the late Dr. James Arnesen for 56 years and dear daughter of the late Stanley and Theresa (nee: Ostermann) Juhl.

Her memory lives on by her two sisters Susie (Barry) Wooley and Lori (Gerry) Goetz; sisters-in-law Chris (Bob) Fuller and Karen (late Barry) Juhl. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, as well as extended family in Florida.

Driven by an endless thirst for knowledge, Val was a lifelong learner and a dedicated first grade teacher.

Val enjoyed gardening, baking, going to art fairs and trips to the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Her holiday decorations were second to none and the Danish pastry wreaths she baked and distributed to friends and family at Christmastime were a tradition that will be cherished.

Loving, thoughtful, kind, caring and compassionate are a few words that describe her best.

Always thinking of others first, Valerie touched the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her selflessness, warmth, and generous spirit will be remembered forever.

She and Jim are now reunited in heaven for eternity. Never stop holding hands.

In lieu of flowers, Val would want you to do something for someone else, give to a charity of your choice, or donate to the James F. and Valerie D. Arnesen Biology Endowment Scholarship, Harper College Educational Foundation, 1200 West Algonquin Road, Palatine, Illinois 60067-9987, so others can achieve their dreams more easily.