Valentine Degele

Funeral Mass for Valentine Degele, 86, of Dickinson will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Msgr. Thomas Richter celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2023 at Stevenson Funeral Home with rosary and vigil held at 6:00 p.m.

Valentine passed away February 2, 2023 at CHI St. Alexius Health in Dickinson.

Valentine Joseph Degele was born February 14, 1936, the son of Joseph and Appolonia (Frank) Degele, on the family farm in Dunn County. Valentine was very proud of the day he was born and the name chosen for him.  He spent a lifetime of living Valentine's Day meaning each and every day.  He unconditionally loved every person who entered his life. He showed that love through his actions and words. Ephesians 4:32 says "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."   Valentine lived that verse and was a steward of the Lord's teachings in many ways.

Valentine met Barbara Bush and the two were married May 9, 1986 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. They shared their home in Dickinson. Barbara passed away in 2007.

Valentine attended school at Emerson Country School as a child. Valentine proudly worked in hospitality and entertaining including Pizza Hut, Scott’s Gym, Whitney Stadium, Red Owl Fred’s Fairway, and Happy Joe’s. Places where he could share his laughter, smiles and love for life with many people.

Valentine was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Valentine prayed the Rosary and read the Bible every day.  He would lovingly say special prayers to help ease other's burdens and pains and direct them before God's Throne. He found joy in painting and coloring - having a couple of his pieces on display at the Stark County Veterans Pavilion in 2021 and 2022. He spent time walking - with a special notice in the local paper given to him for braving below-zero wind chills in 1999.  Other enjoyments included fishing at Knife River and playing cards – especially Gin Rummy and two-handed west card game. He also enjoyed his time spent at the Eagles and the Queen City Social Club. Valentine enjoyed traveling and sharing stories about the trips he took throughout the United States.  

Valentine is survived by his siblings Frieda Krenzel, Bertha Jahner, Sr. Gloria Degele, Albert (Loretta) Degele, Vincent (Pam) Degele; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Appolonia Degele; his beloved wife, Barbara Degele; brother George Degele; brothers-in-law Florian Krenzel and Simon Jahner.