Valentine Urquidez

Val was born July 23, 1931 in Madera, California where he lived until he was drafted in the United States Army at age 21. He served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He was honorably discharged, earning a Purple Heart medal from combat wounds.

He married Esther Mendoza in 1954 and they made their home in Fresno, California for 60 years, raising their family and enjoying life together.

He worked over 40 years as a tile setter, with most of those years beside his best friend Gene Hansen.

Val will be remembered for his easy going demeanor, great joke telling, and most of all his great love of his family and friends. He was a wonderful grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his parents Damian and Concepcion Urquidez.

He is survived by his wife Esther Urquidez, son Ronald Urquidez, daughter Valerie Sorensen, son-in-law Woody Sorensen, daughter Roslyn Janzen; grandchildren Jacob Sorensen (Brooke Sorensen), Kirk Sorensen, Ryan, Trevor and Cody Urquidez, Danielle Janzen; one great granddaughter, Quinn Sorensen; and his brother Jesse Urquidez.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, June 16 at 7:00pm at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be Friday June 17 2:00pm -2:15pm at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella, CA.