Valerie Hrabe
February 11, 1959 - March 30, 2022
Valerie M. Hrabe, age 63, of Elko New Market, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Val was born on February 11, 1959 in Faribault to Ronald and Dorothy (Malecha) Machacek. She graduated from Montgomery High School and started working at M.V.E. as a welder. Unbeknown to Val, there was a young man who also worked at MVE. They would finally meet when they both attended their milkman’s wedding dance; it was love at first sight for both of them and Val married Dan J. “Herbie” Hrabe on May 14, 1983 in Faribault. Val went to work at Malt-O-Meal, then back to Chart, and most recently at Gamma Vacuum in Shakopee. The couple settled and raised their family in Lonsdale and New Prague before finding their way to rural Elko New Market. It was then that Val’s interest in rocks was fed by forays into the neighboring farm fields, collecting enough rocks to landscape the entire west side of their home. She and Dan’s road trips, where they’d just get in the car and go, often saw the trunk filled with Val’s rock treasures. After the kids were out of the home, Val cultivated an interest in astronomy, loving the energy of stones and crystals and feeling a special affinity for the moon and stars.
She loved gardening, especially flowers and a return to native plants. She was a wonderful cook and canned the fruits of her gardens, famous for her salsa and horseradish. She made homemade soap, which proved to be healing for a granddaughter’s skin ailments. She was devoted to her children, their fiercest sports fan when attending their high school hockey games. When the grandchildren came along, that devotion expanded to them and she was easy-going and engaged, showering them with love and attention. Val’s kind, gentle spirit was a beacon for her family and the friends she so enjoyed spending time with; she will be sorely missed.
Val is survived by her devoted husband, Dan of Elko New Market; children, Darin (Jessica) Hrabe of Savage, Corey (Megan) Hrabe of Hudson, WI, Breanne (Scott) Hoffman of New Prague; grandchildren, Jacqueline, Danielle, Aiden, and Nora; sisters, Lisa (Eugene) Palma of New Prague, Tamara (Terrence) Korbel of Waconia. She is preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held Friday, April 22, 2022 at CreeksBend Golf Course from 2-6 PM. (26826 Langford Ave., New Prague, MN 56071)
Val was the epitome of sunshine…she was always smiling, it is the way we will always remember her. prayers to your family, May you be comforted by your memories and all the people who loved her.
Very sad to hear the news. Thoughts and prayers are with you Herbie and family
So sorry to hear the passing of Val,may all the great memories you all shared with her bring you comfort
Sending our condolences. Val was a lovely woman. Her light will be missed
Our deepest sympathy. Val was a very kind and special lady.
Roger and Pam Chlan
Dan, Darin, Corey & Bre,
We are so very sorry for your loss of Val! We will always remember her with that beautiful smile of hers. Her love of her kids was very obvious. Blessings to all of you.
My deepest condolences for your loss of such a wonderful woman!! She had a great sense of humor and was an amazing Mother and devoted wife! Prayers for peace through your grief!
Bre and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Val was a Wonderful woman. My deepest sympathy to you all. ❤️
We are so sorry for your loss. Val was a great person to work with, laugh with and fun to be around. So thoughtful and caring. She will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to Dan and family. It was always a pleasure talking or working with Val. God gained a very special angel. Prayers to the entire family.
My sympathy to Val’s family & friends. We will miss her and cherish many beautiful memories she left behind.
Herbie and family, Lisa and Tam,
You have our heart felt deepest sympathy on your great loss. Val was a wonderful person, one of the best!! Cherish your special memories! Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Love and Hugs. LeRoy and Bonnie
Sorry for your loss , thoughts and prayers for the family during this time.
Omg this is so sad. First Lori loses Scottie and now Val. I’m so sorry for your loss Herbie and family. I’m sending you all my love and support She was such a kind wonderful person and I’m blessed to have known her
When I first met Val, the song Valerie by Steve Winwood came on WLOL and she told me it was written about her – I believed her! I still think about her when ever I hear it on the ‘oldies’ station.
My deepest sympathy Dan and family, sending prayers and hugs. Val was a kind and loving person. I worked with her at MVE ,have many fond memories of those days. Thanking of you Marilyn Odenthal Simota
My deepest sympathy for the family, and prayers are being sent.
So sorry to hear about Val! Our heart goes out to you, Dan and kids & grandkids. She had always a friendly smile & we remember fondly the times of our crazy lives while in hockey. May the many memories help you through this time of grief. Thinking of you, John & Carolyn Korba
Prayers to your Family. God gave us memories to help with our sadness grief! I was a classmate of Val . Many good memories . My deepest Sympathy.
So so sorry to you guys. Our deepest sympathy. She was such a wonderful gift to us all. May god comfort you all. Hugs!!❤️