Joseph Bernard Valder

Joe was born in Vermillion, South Dakota. He grew up in Adams, Minnesota; Osage, Iowa; and Tampa, Florida.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Alice (Wilmarth) Valder, as well as his siblings, William, Michael, Joyce, and Robert.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Meghan (Valder) Hockenbury and her husband Jay; two granddaughters, Kate and Claire; son, John Valder and his wife Kate; and grandson, Will.

He graduated in 1963 from Hollins High School in Tampa. Joe then Graduated from Loras College in 1967, and Georgetown Law School in 1970.

Joe achieved a successful 40-year career with the United States Department of Justice serving as an Assistant US Attorney at the US Attorney’s office in the District of Columbia, and Program Manager for Central and Eastern Europe at OPDAT. During his career he made a lasting impact, successfully prosecuting many cases and supporting transnational prosecutorial training.

The family will hold a celebration of Joe’s life at 11:00 am on Saturday February 7th, 2026, at St. Mark Catholic Church, 9970 Vale Rd, Vienna, VA, 22181.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice or to do a random act of kindness in your community.