Vernie J. Valdez

Vernie was born in Fort Collins, Colorado on March 13th, 1936. He graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1955. Vernie enlisted in the United States Army National Guard while still in high school. He proudly served his country as a reservist and an active duty soldier. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks. Vernie served as Sergeant with the Signal Battalion and as Specialist in Battery. He was an accomplished marksman. Vernie’s platoon was on the alert during the Cuban Crisis. Vernie and was honorably discharged in 1962.

For years Vernie worked on the family farm. He obtained many skills in his life and held a few different jobs, most notably spending most of his career as a driver and plant operator for Waste Management.

Vernie was a subtle but kind person. He would give the shirt off his back even to a stranger. He was a good friend and a good man. He loved his family dearly and will truly be missed.

Vernie leaves behind two daughters, Billy Jo Kaiser of Fort Collins and Brenda Kelly of Dalton, Georgia, and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Joe Valdez of Fort Collins, Veronica Sanchez (Jerry) of Fort Collins, Cordelia Jiron of Littleton, Colorado, Mary Pineda of Windsor, Colorado, Deborah Valdez of Windsor, and Margaret Vasquez (Pete) of Tucson, Arizona; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is greeted in Heaven by his parents, King and Mildred Valdez; his loving friend, Pamela Terrel; nephew, Mark J. Pineda; and by his brother Dave, who passed away November 28th of last year.

The Rosary will be prayed for Vernie at 11am on Thursday, February 8th, 2024 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Windsor, Colorado and his Funeral Mass will take place at 11:30am. Family and friends are invited to gather after Mass for a memorial lunch and a time of fellowship and remembrance. Vernie will be laid to eternal rest at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins, Colorado at 3pm.

Memories and condolences are welcome at www.resthavencolorado.com for the Valdez Family.