Clair Walter Valentine

Clair Walter “Bill” Valentine, 89, of La Crosse passed away April 24th, 2016 in his home peacefully. He was born to Ida Marie (Dansbury) and Clair Inman Valentine of La Crosse. Growing up during the Great Depression Clair helped his parents as a scavenger and hard worker early in his life.
Clair was extremely proud of his military service having served during World War II in the 45th Infantry Division and Korean War. Stories such as his involvement in the Battle of Anzio and the Liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp on April 29, 1945 are examples of what he endured and survived. During both campaigns Clair was wounded in combat earning the Purple Heart. He married the love of his life Beverly Jane Jerome on September 23rd 1945. With only an 8th grade education, Clair became a welder at Trane Company. He had a reputation for being able to fix anything and became an expert in their welding process. He self-educated himself, learning necessary subjects such as algebra as he worked his way up to Plant 4 Superintendent /Plant 7 Manager and retired early on January 5th 1986 mainly due to health reasons. Clair loved fishing and spent much of his time on the Mississippi River from an early age. His knowledge of walleye fishing was legendary along with his wife’s fish fry’s. He took many fishing trips with family and friends to Canada and Michigan until his health would not allow it. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 417.
Clair was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Barbara Lee (Finanger), a son Michael Clair Valentine, sisters Beverly Pralle and Joan Loose.
Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years Beverly, two sons; William (Rosemary) Valentine, Terry (Becky) Valentine; a son in law Steven Finanger ,13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and a sister in law Edna Helgerson who was like a sister to him.
Funeral services will be held at 11am, Friday, April 29th, at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Pastor Jonathan Rimmert will officiate. Burial with military honors will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery La Crosse. Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials to Grace Ev Lutheran Church are requested by the family.