Walter J. Valasek Veterans History Interview
Channel: Lawrence Molczyk
Date: 10/10/2018

Walter J. Valasek Sr., 97, of Spalding passed away Monday, April 11, 2016, at the Grand Island Veterans Home in Grand Island.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Michael’s Church in Spalding, with the Revs. Antony Thekkekara and Jim Murphy officiating. Interment followed in the parish cemetery, with military rites by American Legion Post 299 of Spalding.
Walter Joseph Valasek Sr., son of Andrew and Salamea (Stanczyk) Valasek, was born May 27, 1918, on a farm east of Wolbach. He was baptized into the Catholic faith at Elba and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Spalding. He attended school at the Leo Valley School for six years and graduated from the eighth grade at the Hilltop School. He attended Spalding Academy for a year before he stayed home to help his father on the farm near Spalding.
Walt spent time working in the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) in South Dakota and Nebraska before entering the United States Army in June 1941. He served in several World War II campaigns, including the Bismarck Archipelago, Southern Philippines and Luzon, earning several Service Medals and Victory Medals, including a Bronze Star, before being honorably discharged in November 1945.
On May 8, 1947, Walt married Eva M. Trausch at Sacred Heart Church in Roseland. They made their home on a farm seven miles southwest of Spalding. In 1951, Walt was called on again to serve his country, and he gave two more years to the Army during the Korean Conflict. After returning home, he resumed farming, along with several side jobs over the years, including driving truck, surveying, working as a field reporter for the ASCS, all while he and Eva raised their seven children: Wally, Donald, Patty, George, Sheila, Sharon and Janet.
Walt was a member of St. Michael’s Church, a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW, served on the Spalding Public School Board, Greeley County District 18 School Board, the Greeley County Fair Board, and Greeley County Farm Bureau. He also started the Purple Ribbon Winners 4-H Club, leading the group for 26 years. Walt enjoyed traveling with his wife to many Army reunions and Farm Bureau conventions. He continued living on the farm until entering the Grand Island Veterans Home in October 2010.
Walt is survived by six children, Walter Jr. (Barbara) Valasek of Beatrice, Patricia (Robert) Esch of Spalding, George (Diana) Valasek of Spalding, Sheila (Kris) Luoma of Arcadia, Sharon (Ray) Bauer of Spalding and Janet Valasek of Clay Center; a daughter-in-law, Maggie Valasek of Spalding; 19 grandchildren, Christy (Mark) Schaaf, Steve (Jennifer) Valasek, Denise (Ryan) Bohling, Rosemarie (Jason) Buhlmann, Jessica (Pat) Matol, Eric Valasek, Dylan Valasek, Hilary (Brian) Maricle, Adam Esch, Renee Esch; Jennifer (Ron) Dozler, Melissa (Andy) Kahle, Heather (Scott) Seaman, Cory Valasek, Noah Valasek, Paul (Nikki) Bauer, Michelle Bauer, Susan Bauer and Daniel Bauer; 25 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Josephine Valasek and Dorothy Arrasmith, both of Omaha; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eva; son, Donald; a great-granddaughter, Elaina Matol; a brother, Andrew; and five sisters, Sophie, Mary, Agnes, Katie and Stella.