Valerio “Val” Emilio Giovanni Ladurini, 87, of Ankeny, formerly of Des Moines, passed away at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System on October 27, 2020 after a long battle with dementia. Valerio was born on February 28, 1933 in Florence, Italy to Oreste and Pasquina (Parigi) Ladurini.
A visitation will be held at Ankeny Funeral Home on Saturday, October 31st from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be live streamed. Following the service, burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery. To join the service live stream, visit www.ankenyfuneralhome.com. There will be a link at the bottom of Valerio’s obituary. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.
While growing up in Italy, at the age of 13, Valerio met the love of his life, Santa Maria Pirrera. They were united in marriage in Florence at Santa Croce on December 11, 1954. Valerio immigrated to the U.S. 1953 and returned to Italy a year later to marry Santa who he faithfully doted over for nearly 75 years. Valerio came back to the U.S with his father, Oreste and saved money to be able to have his wife, mother and brother arrive a year later. For over 45 years they lived proudly on the south side of Des Moines where they raised their three children in a three generational home. Valerio was dedicated to his parents and cared for them over the years.
Val became a United States Postal Service letter carrier for many years and then transitioned into the Express Mail Coordinator before retiring after over 30 years. He served with great pride in the US Army. He served in the 34th Infantry Division for the Iowa National Guard where he retired as a Command Sergeant Major. He then served in the Army Reserves and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 2.
Val loved to travel, dance and play cards with his brother and family. He loved his children and grandchildren and one great grandchild. Vacations were meant to go back home to Italy every three to four years to see family and friends. He loved his home country and loved the United States. He was a proud member of Vittoria Lodge, the American Legion and Stemma Di’Italia Lodge.
Valerio was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Emilio, Giovanni, Jon Carlo, and Enzo “John”. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of nearly 66 years, Santa Maria Ladurini; children, Patricia (Rick) Ginther, Mary (Dan) Draayer, and David (Elissa) Ladurini; five grandchildren, Adam (Shannon) Draayer, Hannah (Tate Arends) Draayer, Connor Ladurini, Carson Ladurini, and Caleb Ladurini; a great grandson, Theodore Evan Draayer; a very dear friend, Maurice Hoffman; and many family members still in Italy.
The family would like to thank the Veterans Community Living Center for the wonderful care they gave Val over the past few years.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5