Obituaries

Valerie Rita Blechinger passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the age of 76.

Valerie was predeceased by her son Shaun; parents Fred and Rose Voeltz; her brothers Clifford, Charlie, Marvin, Ralph and Ricky; her sisters Gladys Biasutto and Ruthie; brothers-in-law Frank Biasutto and Joe Rusteika; sisters-in-law Irene, Marlene, Marcella and Lillian; nieces Trina Norgaard, Kim Rokosh, Shaynya Leader and Michelle Voeltz; great-nieces Angel Klein and Kayla Turgeon; parents-in-law Mike and Helen Blechinger; sisters-in-law Marie Sinclair, Kim Brunskill and Barbara Swanek; brothers-in-law R. Michael Blechinger, Jim Wilson, Gerry Hatch and Dan Kozowy.

Valerie is survived by her husband of 56 years Glen; son Renie; grandchildren Taylor and Rylan; her brother Ronnie Voeltz; her sisters Sharon (Jeff) Karol and Delores Rusteika; sister-in-law Kim Reader; brothers and sisters-in-law Bea Wilson, Dick (Diana) Blechinger, Joanne Hatch, Judy (Brian) Ham, Len Sinclair, Ron Blechinger, Gary Blechinger, Doug Blechinger (Patti Woodman) and Bonnie Blechinger-Kozowy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families and many friends.

Val’s biggest passion was an inherited passion – love of family – for her sons Renie and Shaun, grandchildren Taylor and Rylan and her husband Glen. No lioness or mother bear protecting her cubs would compare to Val’s love and protection instincts. This love extended to her siblings and their families, in-laws and their families, and neighbours and their families.

Val worked for Sears Canada for 25 years, starting as a telephone operating assistant where she soon excelled and became the top telephone assistant. Val took great pleasure in getting a call by chance from a neighbour or friend of her mother-in-law Helen Blechinger where they would discuss the connection. Management noticed her abilities and promoted her until eventually she became the call centre training manager, hiring and in charge of training thousands of telephone assistants.

Val had a great talent for cooking. She was forever trying new recipes and cooking styles.

She loved entertaining. Her Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving feasts were legendary.

She loved her yard, garden, flowers and especially her herb planters on the deck that were always shown to all guests. Val and Glen would spend many summer afternoons and evenings on the deck listening to birds, playing cards, singing along with Glen on guitar and listening to music. Val loved fishing and spent many hours on the boat.

Val was a very sociable person and loved talking and visiting.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 1021 McCarthy Boulevard North, Regina, Saskatchewan. Viewing for family and friends will be held in the church one hour prior to service time. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in Valerie’s memory may be made to MADD.