Alfred "Al" W. Valerius

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Elk River, MN for Alfred Wenzel Valerius, age 71, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on June 6, 2026. Visitation will be one hour prior at the church. He will be laid to rest at Orono Cemetery. Luncheon to follow.

Alfred W. Valerius was born on January 14, 1955, to Alfred and Anna (Panek) Valerius in Minneapolis, MN. He worked as an Automotive Mechanic his whole life, but he owned and operated Al & J Automotive in Big Lake, MN from 2002 until 2017 when he retired. Al had a passion for hunting; he loved hunting for deer, duck, and pheasants. Al enjoyed fishing, golf, bowling, camping, sports events, and trips to the “Ding Ding” to play on his favorite machines.

He cherished the time spent with his family; especially rough housing and teasing his grandchildren. Al enjoyed sitting around the table with everyone to play cards or cribbage. He was a great storyteller and a prankster.  Al will be remembered for his kind, funny, hardworking, and dependable nature. He will be missed dearly.

Alfred is survived by his loving wife of 20 years Cheri; children, Casie (Troy) Langaard, Tracy (Justin) Tasa, and Lance (Kayce) Valerius; grandchildren, Brynn, Gavin, Conley, Gage, Brinley, Aubrae, Mason, Evelyn, and Steven; great-granddaughter, Libby; brothers, Mike, Jim, Kevin, Donald, Bill, Jerry, and many nieces, nephew, friends, and family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Cindy Valerius; great-grandson, TJ; Bill and Sandra Heller; Ed and Dede Rekowski.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his caregiver Aimee and Centra Care Hospice for the wonderful care that they provided Al and his family during their time of need.