Leonard Valk, Jr. Obituary (1925

Harvey Leonard Valk Jr. Oct 13, 1925 - May 2, 2015 Harvey Leonard Valk Jr. or "Grandpa" to many who knew him passed away at the age of 89 on Saturday May 2, 2015. Leonard was born in Stockton, Ca in October 1925. He met the love of his life, Velma while playing trumpet in the Modesto High band. He graduated MHS in 1943. Leonard was able to serve his country playing the trumpet for the US Army Band during WWII. As owner of the Valk Ranch, he enjoyed a long, healthy life doing what he did best- farming and ranching, raising sheep and cattle. He had an incredible mind, always creating new inventions to make his time more efficient. One of his favorite endeavors was when he designed and built one of the first pools in Oakdale in 1949. The 72ft long pool and his home were the site for hundreds of parties. Leonard and his sweetheart Velma loved motor-homing across the U.S. every year, visiting every state of this nation they loved, except Hawaii. Leonard was an avid supporter of his 4 children: Gayle Riley (Mike), Joy Stephens (late husband Dale), Judy House (Mike), & Don Valk (Carla), 16 grandchildren: Amy, Rodney, Katie, and Christy; Stephanie, Shelly, Matt, and Luke; Jennifer, Kelly, Cortney, Brittany, Kevin, Tim; Janessa and Ryan, and 30 great grandchildren- most of whom still live in the Oakdale area today. Grandpa enjoyed going to OHS sporting events and getting hugs from all those who knew him. As he would say, "It's the only thing better than Christmas, See's Candy and Disneyland!" Leonard is preceded in death by his one true love, Velma and their first born daughter, Joyce and his parents Harvey and Sadie Valk. He will be remembered by those who knew him best for his funny jokes, stories from the past, his abounding love and generosity, and his faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. A viewing will be held at Oakdale Memorial Chapel on Wednesday May 6th from 4-7 PM. A graveside service will be held on Thursday May 7th at 10:30 for family and close friends at the Oaklawn Memorial Park. A memorial service is scheduled for the end of June. In lieu of flowers, the Valk Family wishes any donations to be made to Community Hospice. Visitation When: Wednesday, May 6, 2015 4:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Oakdale Memorial Chapel Address: 830 West F Street OAKDALE,CA 95361 Service When: Thursday, May 7, 2015 10:30am Location: Oaklawn Memorial Park Address: 431 North Sierra Avenue OAKDALE,CA 95361 Interment When: Thursday, May 7, 2015 Location: Oaklawn Memorial Park Address: 431 Sierra Avenue OAKDALE,CA 95361