Valerie Eicholtz, 65

Newfolden – Valerie Eicholtz, 65, of Newfolden, passed away on January 7, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Val was born on April 19, 1958 to Robert and Patricia (Jewell) Kneebone in Whittier, CA. Val went on to graduate from California High in 1977.

After graduating from high school, she met William Eicholtz. They were married for over 23 years and had two children, Darrell and Karri. Later, she met her lifetime partner, Don Moose, and they were inseparable for 20 years.

Val was a woman of many talents and no stranger to hard work. She started working for her father’s roofing company at a young age. In 1986 she started at Larsons Mfg, and after 20 years went to school for her CDL. She officially “retired” from working in 2019. Over the years she was probably best remembered for good service and an even better smile at many places such as Walkers and Bar X Bar (Flandreau, SD), Knotty Pine supper club (Elkton, SD), and Main Street Cafe (Thief River Falls).

Val brought laughter into the world and loved having a good time with people. She was a fiercely loyal person and the hole left by her absence is impossible to fill. Val was predeceased by parents, Robert Kneebone and Patricia (Kneebone) Herrick; stepfather, Maynard Herrick; husband, William Eicholtz; sister, Laura (Kneebone) Bullard; and niece, Tomi Martin.

She is survived by children, Darrell (Jessica) Eicholtz and Karri Baker; partner, Don Moose; sisters, Sherrill (Tim) Broekhuizen, Pam Vosberg, Bobbie (Wayne) Paulson, and Renae (Jon) Lahr; stepmother, Ruth Kneebone; grandchildren, Heath Eicholtz, Blake Eicholtz, Vanessa Eicholtz and Jade Baker; 13 nieces and nephews; and 22 great- nieces and nephews; uncle, Kaj (Dianna) Jewell; and honorary aunt, Carolyn (Arlo) Wales.

Celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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