Valerie Wilson

Valerie Kay Wilson of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer, which she fought with grit and strength. Even on more difficult days, Valerie never complained about her situation. With deep conviction of faith, she told anyone who asked that she was ready to go home to her eternal rest whenever her Savior was ready. Valerie was 82 years old. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Bonnerup on November 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A visitation will be held one hour before the service.

Valerie was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 14, 1944, to Fred and Evelyn Carson. Her family moved to Albert Lea when she was two. Valerie attended and graduated from Albert Lea High School. From there, she worked at Land O’ Lakes.

Eventually, Valerie met her soulmate, Chuck, and on February 27, 1965, they eloped to South Dakota and married. Their story of meeting and deciding to elope has been a fun memory that brought joy and laughter whenever they shared it. Valerie and Chuck enjoyed over 61 years of marriage.

After settling in Albert Lea, Valerie and Chuck started their family. Together, they raised two daughters: Janet and Susan. Valerie was a stay-at-home mom most of the time until she was hired as a housekeeper at ThorneCrest Retirement Home in Albert Lea, where she worked for ten years before retiring.

Later in life, Valerie gave her heart to Jesus Christ and thoroughly enjoyed talking about her faith. She especially enjoyed reading Scripture and having Bible Study at their small kitchen table. Her faith remained anchored in the Lord, even when she learned of the cancer diagnosis. She believed with unwavering faith that He was with her no matter what and trusted His plan for her life. More often than not, her response to questions about the future was, “I’m leaning on my faith and trust in God.”

Valerie was always overjoyed to hear anything new about her great-grandchildren, whom she adored. She lit up whenever she saw new pictures or videos of them.

She enjoyed crossword puzzles and loved to read; she also had a green thumb. Many summers, her flower baskets looked like something out of a garden magazine. Valerie had a toy poodle named Muffin, who was special to her and brought her joy while Chuck was away driving a truck.

Valerie will be missed by all who loved her. We know we will see her again soon.

She is survived by her daughters Jan Brenke; Susan Vandenheuvel (Tim); grandchildren Erica Robertson, Rachel Robertson, grandson Daryl Brenke, and granddaughter Samantha Olson (Karsten); and three great-grandchildren, Aralyn, Julia, and Eden Olson.

Valerie is preceded in death by her husband Chuck; parents, Fred and Evelyn Carson; sister Marilyn Janssen; brother-in-law Ray Janssen; and brother Ronnie Carson.

Valerie’s family will forever be grateful to the nursing and scheduling team at the Albert Lea Cancer Center, the Radiology Nurses at Albert Lea Mayo Clinic, the entire staff of Mayo Clinic Hospice, good friend Markie, her trusted prayer warrior friends at the Village Coop, and new friend Silvia, who all added value to Valerie’s life.