Valerie "Val" Oldenberg

Valerie "Val" Oldenberg, age 41, of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at her home near Philip. 

Valerie Anne Oldenberg was born February 21st, 1980. Val is the 3rd of 4 children born to Dan and Esther Oldenberg.

She attended grade school at Alfalfa Valley rural school, graduating from Philip High School. Valerie participated in a variety of activities, including Volleyball, FHA, and 4H.

She enlisted in the Army on September 13th, 2004, becoming a Combat Medic with the 101st Airborne. During her career, she was stationed all across the United States, and she also served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Her service even made her an appearance in the documentary ‘Women, War, and Peace.’

Valerie’s love for animals, wide open spaces, and family, eventually led her back to the family ranch. She spent her final years with MANY cats, chickens, ducks, horses, and bucket calves.

Survivors include her parents Danny and Esther Oldenberg of Philip; one brother Daniel “Heath” (Julie) Oldenberg of Rapid City; one sister Melanie (Todd) Thompson of Tampa, Florida; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and other family and friends.

Val was preceded by her brother John Oldenberg; Aunt Ruth Anderson; grandparents Gilbert “Shorty” Oldenberg and Pearl Aske Oldenberg; Warren A. Carpenter of Colorado; and cousins Noah and Jeremy Stavnas.

Over her life, she made countless friends that will miss her just a dearly as her family will.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Burial with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. 

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.