Val Tuel

VisitationFriday, January 9, 2009After 4:00 PMOhde Funeral Home, Coon Rapids

Funeral ServiceSaturday, January 10, 200910:30 AMFirst Christian ChurchCoon Rapids, IowaPastor Ben Ramirez, Officiating MusicAmazing Grace?     CongregationIn The Garden?     Just A Closer Walk With Thee?Dustin Paulsen, VocalistHow Great Thou Art?     CongregationLula Garnes, Accompanist Casket Bearers ~ GrandsonsRyan Paulsen     Dustin Paulsen     Eric TuelDamon Tuel     Brandon TuelAndrew Tuel     Alex Tuel     Tyler TuelChris Hofbauer     Josh Jackson Honorary Casket Bearers ~ GrandchildrenEmily Hucka     Cindy Hofbauer     Taylor TuelKirstin Tuel     Morgan LappeJacob Lappe     Ashley Lappe Interment with Military HonorsOak Hill CemeteryNorthwest of Coon Rapids, IowaAmerican Legion Gurney Parker Post 357

     Valentino E Tuel, son of Reginald and Genevieve (Wentzel) Tuel, was born March 23, 1928, at Carroll, Iowa. He grew up living with his family in Coon Rapids, Iowa where he attended Coon Rapids schools. He started working for Johnston and Watrous Trucking when he completed his education. Right after World War II, Val enlisted in the United Stated Army. He was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska and then transferred to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Maryland. It was there that he met and married Marie Liberto on August 20, 1949. Following his honorable discharge, they moved to Coon Rapids and were the parents of nine children.      Val worked for Garst and Thomas Seed Corn Company in Coon Rapids for 38 years. He worked at many positions, mostly as Corn Sizing/Bagging Manager.      On March 10 1979, Val was united in marriage with Wanda Hupp Jackson at the First Christian Church in Coon Rapids and gained additional family. After his retirement, he started a lawn care business. In addition, he cared for a large garden, growing vegetables and flowers. In their spare time, Val and Wanda enjoyed many trips to area casinos and bird watching from their home. Fishing, along with cooking and eating, were especially important to Val. He became an avid sports spectator and took pleasure in keeping up with all his grandchildrens activities.      On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008, Val suffered an accident at his home and was transferred to University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. He died there two weeks later on January 7, 2009, at the age of 80 years, 9 months and 15 days.      Preceding Val in death are his parents; two sons Linnwood Tuel and Randy Tuel; granddaughter Chelsey Tuel; brother Douglas Tuel, in infancy; and brother-in-law Herman Whitaker.      He is survived by his wife Wanda Tuel of Coon Rapids; seven children: Rosemary and husband Martin Paulsen of Coon Rapids; Valerie and husband Kerry Hucka of Carroll; Cathy Tuel of Carroll; Virginia Tuel of Carroll; Marty Tuel and wife Mary of Carroll; Tina and husband Jeff Lappe of Carroll and Reggie Tuel of Carroll;  step-daughter Terri Hofbauer and special friend Kevin Kirtley of Coon Rapids; step-son Steve Jackson of South Carolina; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Lois Whitaker of Glidden; other relatives and many friends.