Doris Van Valkenburg

Doris Van Valkenburg, age 88, formerly of Long Prairie and Hopkins, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2016 at her home in Edina, MN.
Doris Marie Reinbold was born on July 18, 1927 to Joseph and Amanda (Voight) Reinbold in Long Prairie, MN. As a young woman, Doris went to live with and assist her aging grandmother, Johanna Voight, until on August 22, 1945 she married Russell Van Valkenburg at the home farm of his parents outside Long Prairie, MN. While Russ served his country during WWII they lived in San Francisco, after which they returned to Long Prairie to farm for a few years.
After Russ lost his hand in a farm accident, they moved to Hopkins, MN, where they lived and raised their family for fifty years. Doris had a love for life and sought always to care for and nurture all those she met. Even at the end, her doctor made note in his clinical report, "Doris is a markedly pleasant 88-year-old woman." She and Russ were active in the Minnesota Bluegrass Association and spent many hours dancing and listening to bands all across the state and country. She also was a proud member of the Doris Club of MN, a group of ladies who share the same namea�"although she only attended one meeting. She loved to garden, can,and bake for her family, and she was known for her World's Best Pickles (as determined by her grandson, Kyle), in addition to many jars of sauerkraut, peaches and pears. With a love for nature and the outdoors, Doris enjoyed camping with her family and friends. She delighted in her bird feeders and especially loved watching the cardinals come to feed. Doris was a kind and caring wife, mother, grandma, and sister who will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Left to mourn her passing are her children, Jean (Ray) Yunker of Greenfield, MN, John (LoAnn Arnett) Van Valkenburg of Prior Lake, Joyce (Cliff) Specht of Savage and Joe Van Valkenburg of Minneapolis; 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; a son-inlaw, Bill Hill of Rice; her brother, Norman Reinbold of Long Prairie.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Russell, daughter Janet Hill, and granddaughter Kristen Hill.