Obituary - Mary Van Valkenburg Koritnik

Mary Koritnik

October 23, 1939 — April 2, 2024

Cheyenne

Mary "Snooks" Koritnik, born Mary Van Valkenburg on October 23, 1939, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, passed away on April 2, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming surrounded by her loving family. She married Joe Koritnik on September 25, 1959 and he lovingly nicknamed her Snooks.

She was a dedicated revenue agent in the bankruptcy department of the IRS for over 30 years before retiring. Mary was known for her exceptional kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering love for her family.

In her earlier years, Mary took a bookkeeping class as a housewife and astounded everyone by achieving the highest score amongst a group of accountants. This achievement was just one testament to her intelligence and diligence. Despite her petite frame, Mary was a force to be reckoned with.

Mary's proudest accomplishment always remained the same - raising her three daughters. She was truly the heart of her family, always there to offer guidance and support whenever needed. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched.

Mary found joy in simple pleasures like daisies and sunflowers, writing poetry, reading books, and listening to country music; she would often be found dancing around the house. She cherished moments spent camping with her daughters and grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter.

Mary is reunited in peace with her parents Galen and Florence Van Valkenburg; sisters Eva Tolar and Jane Van Valkenburg; and brothers Albert, Galen, and Robert Van Valkenburg; along with many other loved ones.

She leaves behind her beloved husband Joseph Koritnik; brother Howard Van Valkenburg; daughters Kim (Keith) Wilkins, Ricki (Keith) Rekow, Ronda (Tom) Wilson; grandchildren Steven (Rebecca), Christopher (Desirae), Kevin (Andrea), Michelle (Mac), Amy (JJ), Antonio (Amanda), Teresa (Andy), Crystal, Joseph (Kelsey), Thomas (Hannah); great-grandchildren Austin, Kenzie Jo, McKenzie, Chase, Shea, Paige, Brogen, Samuel, Hannah, Austin B, Oliver, Charlie, Addie, Tristan, Catherine, Rachel, Liam and Eli. Great-Great Grandchild-Clayne.

Mary's legacy of love and strength will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her absence will be deeply felt but her spirit will continue to shine brightly through the lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace knowing she was dearly loved and will be profoundly missed.

Learn more about Mary on the Van Valkenburg Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/vanvalkenburg/mary-rebecca-vanvalkenburg

Mary Rebecca Crouch Van Valkenburg 1900 U.S. Census

1900 US Census with Mary Crouch Van Valkenburg and her children, Richard, Edward, William, Mattie, Joseph, and Galen.

Galen Briggs Van Valkenburg Census Record 1910.
He is listed as the stepson of John McNeill and Mary Rebecca Crouch Van Valkenburg McNeill.

I also found census records for Galen B. Van Valkenburg and Richard Jeptha Van Valkenburg.

Galen Briggs Van Valkenburg and Gwendallean Cary

Galen Briggs Van Valkenburg and Gwendallean Cary
Married: December 27, 1915

Galen Briggs Van Valkenburg and Florence Eva Rees Van Valkenburg

Obituary - Galen Thomas Van Valkenburg

Galen T. Van Valkenburg

(Obituary published on 03/23/2005 in the RocketMiner, Rock Springs, Wyoming)

ROCK SPRINGS--Galen T. Van Valkenburg, 81, of 832 Connecticut Ave., Rock Springs, died on Monday, March 21, 2005, at the Sage View Care Center. A resident of Rock Springs since 1973 and former resident of Oregon, Van Valkenburg died following a lengthy illness.

He was born on Nov. 4, 1923, in Rock Springs, the son of Galen and Florence Reese Van Valkenburg. Van Valkenburg attended schools in Rock Springs. He married Winifred Pitchford in Rock Springs on Oct. 19, 1946. Van Valkenburg was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was employed by the Blacksmith Boilermakers Union and worked as a welder for 20 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, Young-at-Heart Senior Citizens Center, lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Young-at-Heart Senior Rhythm Band and Local 182 Blacksmith Boilermaker Union. His interests included wood carving, hunting, fishing, making ornamental iron, and rock hunting. He was an artist and spent time with his family at their cabin in Boulder.

Survivors include his wife, Wini Van Valkenburg of Rock Springs; two sons, Paul Van Valkenburg and wife Darlene and Terry Lynn Van Valkenburg and wife Sandy, all of Green River; three brothers, Albert Van Valkenburg of West Allis, Wis., Robert Van Valkenburg of Rock Springs and Howard Van Valkenburg and wife Jean of Rock Springs; two sisters, Jane Ann Van Valkenburg of Ogden, Utah, and Mary Koritnik and husband Joe of Cheyenne; three grandchildren, Kim Goins, Corey Van Valkenburg and Steve Van Valkenburg; three great-grandchildren, Dwayne Andrew, Amanda Andrew and Devon VanValkenburg; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister Eva Tolar and her husband Bill.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, March 28, 2005, at the First Congregational Church, 1275 Adams Ave., Rock Springs. The Rev. Harvey Joyner will conduct the services. Military graveside services and interment will be conducted by the American Legion Archie Hay Post No. 24 at the Mountain View Section of the Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery. Friends may call at the Vase Funeral Chapel, 154 Elk St., Rock Springs, Sunday from 2-8 p.m. and again Monday morning at the church one hour prior to services.

Learn more about Galen T. Van Valkenburg on the Van Valkenburg Family History website:

https://sites.google.com/site/vanvalkenburgfamilyhistory/families/vanvalkenburg/galen-thomas-vanvalkenburg.