Valentine Albertson

Valentine Herman Albertson was born February 14, 1917 on a farm near Lamberton, MN, the son of Charles and Minnie (Hydlauff) Albertson. He was baptized May 13, 1917, and confirmed June 7, 1931, at Sharon Lutheran Church. After graduating from Lamberton High School in 1935, he completed teachers training and taught at rural schools in Murray, Courtland and Brown counties for several years. Val married Marie Becker of Sanborn on June 14, 1941. The newlyweds moved to Springfield where they resided for the next 61 years. A World War II veteran, Val was drafted in 1943, and assigned to the 5th Armored Division of General George S. Patton's Third Army. As a machine gunner on a tank retriever, he earned the Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter Badge, and ETO Medal with 5 battle stars. Val was honorably discharged at the end of the war. After leaving the Army, he was employed at the Springfield Milling Company before moving into agricultural sales for companies in the area until his retirement in 1988. Throughout his years in Springfield, he was always an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving on several boards and as an usher. Val and Marie moved to Farmington, MN in 2002, to be near their children. Marie died December 6, 2005. Val loved gardening and family vacations. In his retirement years, he became an avid Twins fan and rarely missed a televised game. He will be greatly missed by his family. Survivors include daughters- Judith and Gary May of Prior Lake, MN, and Tami and Dale Adams of Bethany, OK; son- Steven and Patty Albertson of Albertville, MN; grandchildren- Scott and Jennifer May, Michelle and Ken Hueser, Brett and Kyle Albertson, Hannah Jackson, and Sarah and Zachary Wolff; great grandson- Zachary May; brother- Russell; and sisters- Dorothy and Madeline. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife- Marie; brother- Leroy; and sister- Majoria.