William Valenta Jr

William “Bill” Valenta Jr., 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2017 while enjoying his passion of deer hunting.

He was born July 5, 1939, in Mosinee, to the late William and Mary (Lenz) Valenta. On August 25, 1962 he married Carole Barnett at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mosinee, she survives.

Bill worked at the Mosinee Paper Mill for 42 ½ years before his retirement. He had a deep faith in God and prayed while enjoying God’s creation. Bill shared 55 years of marriage with the love of his life Carole and they raised three children together. He shared a deep love for his family, especially his two grandsons whom he adored.

Bill was a master gardener and loved spending time in his garden. He would share his vegetables and flowers with family and friends. He especially loved growing his beautiful lilies and roses. Bill was also an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. He was known for his keen eye and shooting skills. He enjoyed logging with a team of horses and making firewood for the homestead where he was born.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Besides his wife, Carole, William is survived by; two sons, Todd (Barb) Valenta, Mosinee, Kirk Valenta, Fort Lauderdale, FL; one daughter, Tami (Jesse) Hirt, Tigerton; two grandchildren, Austin W. Valenta, Colten J. Hirt; and one sister, Joyce (Daniel) Braden, Milwaukee. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William Valenta Sr., Mary (Lenz) Valenta, and one sister, Vivian Lang.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name can be directed to the family where a memorial fund will be setup at a later date.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 27, 2017, at St. John Lutheran Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Marilyn Lange will officiate. Burial will be in Mosinee Cemetery, Mosinee. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m., Monday until time of services all at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.bestefh.com.