Valerie “Val” Ann (Patzer) Tresner passed away as the result of a tragic car accident on her way home from a weekend of camping with friends on July 9, 2017 at the age of 58. We lost a mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Val was the youngest of three children born to Edwin and Marjorie Patzer on December 3, 1958 in Helena, Montana. She attended school in Helena and graduated from Capital High School in 1977 and went on to attend Helena Vo Tech. She married James “Jim” Tresner on July 29, 1978 in Helena. They were blessed with two children, Tiffany and Jason.
Val worked at TRICO Credit Union and later worked with her brother, Kelley, at Empire Office Machines for the last 36 years. She eventually became a part owner, of which she was very proud.
Growing up Val enjoyed many horseback activities, which included running for Last Chance Stampede Queen. She participated in many years of 4-H activities including sewing projects, baking, sheep and swine. Val and Jim spent many hours and miles following their children in sporting and/or 4-H events. She treasured time spent with her family, especially granddaughter Jayana, quilting and embroidering, camping, 4 wheeling and a game of wahoo or dominoes (a camping favorite!).
She always looked forward to a good lunch or dinner date, especially with her good friends Ray and Doretta Hofland. She attended the Broadwater Athletic Club starting many years ago with her father and is something she continued to do to this day in memory of him. She was an active member at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church and thoroughly enjoyed her trips to North Dakota and Kalispell, MT to help with church building projects. She loved it all.
Val was preceded in death by her husband Jim Tresner, parents Edwin and Marjorie Patzer, father and mother in-law Charles and Pauline Tresner, brother in-law Thomas Tresner and nephew Shane Powell. She is survived by her children Tiffany (Chris) Lamping and Jason Tresner, granddaughter Jayana Lamping, brothers Brian (Debbie) Patzer and Kelley (Mary) Patzer, sister in-law Janice (Roy) Powell and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Val’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 15. 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers memorials in Val’s name may be sent to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday July 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday July 15, 2017
Social Hall of the funeral home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Saturday July 15, 2017
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Motana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday July 15, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday July 15, 2017
Social Hall of the funeral home
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Saturday July 15, 2017
Sunset Memorial Gardens
7100 N. Motana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Tom Naegele says
Val, I will miss pestering you at the Office. Dear Family of Val…Prayers of support and care are sent your way as Val is a Real Gem in my life.
God Bless,
Tom
Bridger veterinary hospital says
To all of Val’s beautiful family,
We will miss having Val help us , which was nearly every day! She was with us from the start to the present and always
Went out of her way. She was also a good friend, always worrying and asking after others. She is in heaven straightening
Out the holy office to be sure.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Keith, Shar, Steve and the staff at Bridger
Judy Burggraff says
It was such a shock to receive the call from my cousin, Kelley, to hear of Val’s passing. My memories of her will always include how excited she was to take her family to the rodeo finals in Las Vegas, and her trips to visit Tiffany in Savanna where she was studying to be a physician’s assistant. Val will always be missed. My prayers and Pete’s will be with the family.
Judy and Pete
Irene Bushnell says
Tiffany and Jason – My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I had the pleasure of playing pinochle with Val the last several years as well as a couple of dinners and a camping trip a few years ago. She loved you both very much and spoke of you all the time. She left this world all too soon. I hope you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you will always have of her.
Phyllis Gilreath says
Tiffany and Jason – So sorry to hear about Val, she was a lot of fun on the sidelines watching soccer. Val was very proud of both of you, and she loved her granddaughter. If you need anything let us know we will be there for you two. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Phyllis and Steve
Jordan Paull says
So terribly sorry for the loss of an amazing women. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is reunited with her love Jim again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Paull Family
Jessica Williams says
Val will be missed by so many, she was a woman that would bo anything for anyone. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. We love you all so much.
The Williams Family
Terry Senecal says
What a loss! I remember the school bus rides – then not seeing her for a couple of years and wham – my favorite peep at Empire Office – always taking care of anything I needed – I will miss our phone visits – I will miss Val…Thoughts and prayers for healing –
Rick and Jan O'Connell says
So shocked to hear of Val’s untimely death. We will miss her big smile and freat attitude. Our condolences to the family.
The Lord must have needed someone to get things organized.
Rick and Jan
Judy Andrews says
Jason and family, I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. The little I did know of her I knew she was an amazingly kind woman. My thought and prayers go out to you. Judy Andrews
Lori Meckley says
I only started at 360 last fall, while I didn’t get to meet Val in person we share many phone calls, emails and lots of laughs. Thoughts and many prayers to family and friends.
Lori Meckley
Kris Brandt says
So sorry for this tragic loss. Val always knew exactly what I needed and many of us here at Eagle Electric got to know her over the years as her Empire customers. She knew exactly where everything was in her office too. 🙂 I know she loved her family very much and was very proud of her kids and grandbaby. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Janet Gates says
I came to know Val through Pinochle; I admired her skill, humor and enjoyed her stories of her family. Your loss is so great and so sad, I truly pray you know so many people will be thinking of you and will hold you all in their thoughts and prayers.
Linda (formerly Kelley) McKenna says
What a shock to hear of Va;’s accident and my immediate thoughts were for Tiffany and Jason. Please know how we are all praying for you at this time. While I didn’t get to see your Mom very often as I live in Boise, I enjoyed being with she and Marge whenever I visited. My condolences also for Kelley and Brian and their families as I know you all were still grieving the death of your Mom. I will treasure my times with Val and keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers
Helena Sand & Gravel says
The Employees of Helena Sand & Gravel express our condolences to the family and friends of Valerie. We all share your grief in this most difficult of times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dave Carrie Kristen says
Tiff, Chris and Jason,
To you all that mean so very much to me, my heart breaks to hear the tragic news. Your family is very much a big part of our lives and for you to know NEVER forget the fun times and all the precious memories you all created with the one who bears the sweetest name, YOUR MOTHER. You have shared many joyous adventures and I can say we have been lucky to be a part of some of those cherished times. I express to you all my deepest sympathy and condolences. I have to keep so close to my heart that a mother is the greatest friend I have ever had, to take her place, there would be no other. I love you all and always remember how PROUD SHE was of all of you! I know she told me several times and I could see it in her eyes, you kids were her world, and you always will be. She is with you, and always will be by your side, ALL OF THE TIME. Many prayers are sent your way! Love to you, Dave, Carrie and Kristen Schell
CJ Mason says
Jason and Tiffany, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mama. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.
Butch Biskupiak says
Tiff and Jason,
Please know that your friends at Carroll College have you in our prayers. We have always loved your mom and dad
and have watched you two grow to be amazing young people.
Ray and Doretta Hofland says
We so enjoyed our time with Val. She was a lovely person, a loving mother and grandmother, and a good friend. The world will be a little colder place without her.
Brandon and Kelsey Pocha says
I feel so lucky to have gotten to know the Tresner family over the years. Brandon and I enjoyed spending time with the whole family, I will always remember how sweet Val was to us and always made us feel welcome, and Jim would always offer some comedy!
Jason and Tiff – Brandon and I wish we could find the words to comfort you and your family right now, but please know we send our thoughts and prayers and love both of you very much. Val was a wonderful person and will be so missed.
Chryl Poore says
Brian and Debbie and family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Val but look forward to meeting her in heaven.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. May Gods loving hands enfold you and shelter you with His strength, love and word.
May memories of laughter and joy comfort your hearts. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
We love you. GOD BLESS
Cousin Cheri and David Poore
Ed and Sandy Young says
When I did see Val we Talked a lot about her kids. What a proud Mom. Her love of her work, The outdoors was always in our conversations, and now she is with Jim, who she loved very much. Val, you will be dearly missed. A co-worker and a loved friend. Our sincere sorrow to Jason and Tiffany and the entire family, Our thought will always be with you. Sincerely, Ed and Sandy YoungEd
Penny says
Tiffany and Jason,
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of sadness and grief. I knew your mom for years when I worked downtown and had the pleasure of playing pinochle with her these many years. Val, I will miss my monthly hug. Peace be with you and with your children and granddaughter, Jayana.
Mary Pat (Sias) Dutton says
I have many wonderful memories of Val from 4-H and Helena Trail Riders drill team. She was a good, good person, fun to be around and a great horsewoman. My condolences to her family who lost her all to soon. Happy Trails Val.
Vicki Hampson says
Tiffany & Jason & all of the Patzer Family
Our Prayers are with you. So very sorry for your loss. My heart is broken for you all.
Lucia Kelley2 says
It’s always too soon. I remember first meeting Val at the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962. Beautiful family. We are all
very sad. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family in this difficult time.
MARLA says
I was out of town when this happened, I was so sorry to see this, although I didn’t know Val well, every time we crossed paths she always had a smile on her face that radiated her LOVE of JESUS.
Michelle Brown Groncki says
I just learned of this tragic event and am deeply saddened. Val was my second cousin and I once spent a month with her and her husband and her parents. Some of the fondest memories of my childhood come from that Summer. A Summer of horseback riding, water fights, learning to drive a tractor, bailing hay and getting to know and love my Montana kin. Val was a beautiful soul and I am a better person having known her. RiP