Arthur Valley

Arthur Gerald Valley (a.k.a. Art or Jerry), passed away peacefully on May 28, 2023, making it to his 82nd birthday, with his wife, (Mary) Jane (Rodenkirch), and eldest son, Jeff, by his side. Born in Prairie du Chien, WI on May 28, 1941, to Arthur and Lorraine (DeRusha) Valley, Art was raised in Prairie du Chien and attended Prairie du Chien High School, graduating in 1959 at which time he joined the National Guard and worked locally. In the summer of 1962, as fate would have it, his best friend's (Virgil Rodenkirch) little sister visited from California. Catching Art's eye, he said to Virg, "your little sister has grown up!" That winter, Art took his interest in Mary Jane to the next level by traveling to California to ask for her hand in marriage. They were married June 29,1963. Art and Mary Jane settled in Janesville, WI where Art had a 30-year career with General Motors. Art and Jane raised their four children on the outskirts of Janesville, in a home Art built, where the family spent time together gardening, hunting, fishing, swimming, training German short-hairs, and weekend fun with extended family and friends. Art enjoyed coaching and attending the many athletic events his children were involved in. His children and grandchildren can share many a "fishing" story – where Art was known to struggle with the concept of a "bag limit" or invite the youngest along to increase the "fish count" for the day. Art often had a twinkle in his eye, enjoyed a good joke and shared laughter, had a passion for sweets, could get lost for hours in a card or board game, and was famous for his love of pancakes to include making them as well as eating them. Retirement brought the opportunity to work as a handy man for RK Smith Realty, and time to focus on many hobbies including hunting, fishing, wood carving and spending time with grandchildren. Art could make anything out of a block of wood witnessed by a quick review of the house décor. Art had a heart for service and was always willing to lend a hand including helping his oldest son with his farm. In 1996, Art and Jane became their own mission team by purchasing a 5th wheel and spending 4 years traveling and serving several church communities throughout the United States. This work resulted in a friend group they have remained connected to. Art started each day reading his Bible, centering his day and life on Jesus Christ. He was always willing to share his faith, whether he knew you well or not. Art treasured the many relationships born out of bible studies and church communities. Art is survived by the love of his life, Mary Jane, his children Jeff (Tammy), Barbara (Eric) Shultz, Timothy (Coleen) and Edward. His legacy is carried further through his grandchildren Jena (Andrew) Elliott; McKenzie (Matthew) Bailey; Sienna (John) Venderley; Colin, Danielle and Timmy Valley; and Nicole, Nathan and Jason Weber. Additionally, Audrey and Maggie Elliott, Sienna, Tyler and Caleb Bailey will fondly remember time spent with Great-Grandpa Art. Art cherished and appreciated time spent with extended family. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lois Aspeslet (Valley), brother in-law Clifford Aspeslet, in-laws Raymond and Marie Rodenkirch, siblings-in-law Donald and Rosanne Kalina (Rodenkirch), Kenneth, Virgil, Patricia, and Raymond Rodenkirch. A special thank you to Art's nurses at the Mercy Dialysis Center and to Tammy for her dedication to Art's care, and cribbage playing, in the final days. The family appreciated the many visitors, to include Pastor Shelli, and prayers lifted from those who were present and those who were not able to be. A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Christ the Rock Church, 2232 Hermitage Lane, Janesville, WI from 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM followed by 12:00 PM (noon) Celebration of Life. A luncheon will follow. Memorials may be made in his honor to: Gifts Men's Shelter, 1025 North Washington, Janesville, Wi 53548.