Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Justin Valdez Obituary
Justin Michael Valdez (31), passed away on January 31st, 2021 in the presences of his loving family. He was a graduate of DeKalb High School, class of 2008, and received his BS from Western Illinois University in 2013. He was pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a physician, attending the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa.
Justin was born in Lake Forest, IL, resided at Naval Air Station Barber's Point in Hawaii and Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island, WA. In his early childhood he moved to the Malta/DeKalb Illinois area while in grade school.
Justin was devoted to his wife, family and friends. He was a strong, independent person who craved nothing more than to experience the world around him. Constantly seeking to satisfy his need for knowledge, Justin enjoyed his studies greatly and worked hard every step of the way. His laugh and smile were contagious, being he had a unique sense of humor that kept everyone cheerful and entertained. Not only that, but Justin was blessed with an exuberant amount of compassion. More worried about others than himself. He was a wonderful man who touched our lives with a love that will last an eternity.
He is survived by his childhood sweetheart, wife and life-long partner of 13 years, Mallory (Palmer) Valdez, his mother Dawn Male and her partner Ernie Engelman (Coralville, IA), father Gregory and Ruth Valdez (Vail, AZ), sister Lauren Valdez (Jacksonville, FL), brother Coree Valdez (Bellingham, WA), sister Autumn Valdez (Lewiston, ID), father and mother-in-law Benjamin and Carla Palmer, sister-n-law Kaitlin Palmer (DeKalb, IL), maternal grandparents Dale and Barb Male (Malta, IL) and paternal grandparents Linda Valdez (Puyallup, WA), Larry and Pam Valdez (Lake Tapps, WA). Also survived by all his uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews on the Valdez and Male side. Proceeded in death by his great grandparents James and Irene Smith (Malta, IL).
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at a later date and the information will be posted on the Justin and Mallory Strong Facebook page.
Plant a tree, bulbs, or flowers if you wish to honor Justin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Justin Valdez
Sponsored by the Press-Citizen.
3 Entries
DONALD R WOODS
January 29, 2023
Such a fabulous young man. Betty and I watched this great, passionate man every since he was a baby. We, the Valdez and the Woods's , would have the yearly camping trip over at Lake Cushman, where we would have so much fun with all the kids. It was just a super time, we all looked for every year. We still love and miss him and all the fun we had on our camping trips and x-mas stays at the Jim Creek lodge during christmas. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mallory on this 31 day of January.
Mick Hammer
February 6, 2021
I met Justin & Mallory when they moved to their condo on Heinz Road. They were so easy to talk to & I had lots of conversation with Justin as he would take Miley, the dog, out during the day. Mallory, you were so sweet and loved visiting with you, too. I am so sorry and may he RIP. If I can do anything for you Mallory, please let me know. Your neighbor, Mick Hammer
Don and Betty Woods
February 3, 2021
We have had the pleasure of knowing Juston most of his life. Spent some amazing times with the whole family camping in the summer and celebrating Christmas together. Our hearts are breaking because of the loss of this amazing young man. May he rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Justin Valdez's name
Memorial Events
for Justin Valdez
How to support Justin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Justin Valdez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
