Alfred Valerius

Alfred Valerius, age 83, of Stacy, Minnesota, died October 17, 2024, while surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Marc (Lisa); grandchildren, Blake, Megan, Josie and Ava; brother, Richard (Sharon) Valerius; sister, Kathy (Paul) Leavitt. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Rose; brothers, Herbert and Michael and sister, Rosemary Casserly.

Al was born December 28, 1941, and grew up in Minneapolis, graduated from St. Bridget's Grade School, De La Salle High School, Nazareth Hall Preparatory Seminary, St. Thomas College, and Luther Northwestern Seminary.

He had a varied work history beginning as paper boy, construction worker, newspaper reporter, photographer, editor, procedure writer, systems analyst, computer programmer, postmaster, lay evangelist, and camp director. But he always had a restlessness, until he finally answered the call to ministry that he first felt while still in high school. He returned to the seminary at age 38. There, besides studying, he added house painting and handyman to his work history, often showing up at class in his paint clothes much to the amusement of his classmates.

His first call, after ordination, was to St. John's Lutheran Church in Stacy, Minnesota where he retired twice, serving 25 years altogether. While a pastor there, he went back to seminary receiving a doctorate degree in ministry. He retired, once again, at the age of 79 after serving at Community of Grace in White Bear Lake as visitation pastor for seven years.

Al was never afraid to step into the unknown and let God lead the way. He encouraged others to do the same. When two young women came to him and said, "We need a preschool here". He said, "Go ahead" and they did. When new additions to the church were wanted, he said, "We can do it ourselves", and they did. He easily overlooked faults and weaknesses, saw the best in people, and gave them the freedom to grow. Perhaps that is why he loved his garden, even though he always had the poorest of soil he could still grow beautiful flowers.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Stacy, Minnesota. Interment at Stacy Cemetery, Stacy, Minnesota.  For time/date information, please call St. John's Lutheran Church 651-462-5115