PICHLER, Valerie C., age 51

Died: Monday, August 18th, 2014

Celebration of her life: 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2014 at the funeral home with the Reverend Kathy Ulrich officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 p.m. until time of service on Friday.

Interment will be at a later date.

The family suggests memorials be given to Friends of Sacred Heart Hospital for all their wonderful work (https://she.thankyou4caring.org/) or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Valerie C. Pichler, age 51, of Durand, WI, died on Monday, August 18, 2014 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Valerie was born on December 1, 1962 to Dr. Roger and Jackie (nee Hartman) Quealy in Buffalo, New York. She graduated from Memorial High School in Eau Claire in 1981. She was married to Steve Pichler on May 13, 1983. To this union were born three children: Jeff, Matt and Hunter Pichler. Valerie and Steve later divorced.

Valerie enjoyed traveling and went to many places in her youth. She especially enjoyed visits to her hometown, Buffalo, to see relatives and to visit Niagara Falls. For 10 consecutive summers, she traveled with her family to Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina where she enjoyed horseback riding, skating, swimming, and playing tennis in the clouds. In addition, she enjoyed visiting her favorite aunt, Louise, in Florida, where she enjoyed swimming on Panama City Beach.

She was a wonderful cook and great babysitter. Valerie loved and doted on her grandchildren. She masterfully crocheted blankets for family, friends, and for charities. She would also crochet Christmas gifts for friends and family. She was a great interior decorator and a master puzzle player. Her landlord would invite new tenants to see Valerie's apartment because it was so beautifully decorated and clean.

She is survived by her parents, Roger and Jackie Quealy; former husband, Steve;  her children, Jeff (Cassie), Matt (Brittany Kraft) and Hunter; grandchildren, Evan, Easton, Willow, AnnaBelle, Owen, and Olivia; sister, Regina (Dan) DeFoe; nine nephews and nieces; and many cousins.

Valerie is at peace at last and is likely enjoying puzzles with her new friends, the angels.