Obituary of Luther Emanuel Valberg

Luther Emanuel Valberg, 83, of Silver Bay passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay. Luther was the youngest of four children born to Reverend Emil Olson Valberg and his wife Theresia Alexis on Sept. 21, 1932 in St. Paul, Minn. After Luther completed high school in Alexandria, Minn. his father retired to St. Peter where Luther worked briefly before he enlisted in the United States Navy. While in the navy, Luther corresponded and fell in love with his future bride, Mary Ann Scully of Ottumwa, Iowa. They were united in marriage in St. Peter with his father co-officiating on April 6, 1957. Luther visited northern Minnesota and was so impressed by its beauty he was determined to make his home there. The couple moved to Silver Bay where Luther spent 30 years working for Reserve Mining Co. In his free time Luther enjoyed the outdoors with his family: riding his motorcycle and sailing on Lax Lake. He was also passionate about model airplanes. He built and flew them as well as selling parts to local enthusiasts out of his basement. Luther is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; son, Scott; his three siblings, Eleanor Sandberg, Karl Alexis and John Luther and his parents. Luther is survived by his children Lesa Turnbull and her husband Richard, of Duluth; Tonya Stone and her husband John of Norwalk, Iowa; Lesa's children, Heather Kestner, Kelly Rudd and Grace Nesgoda; Tonya's children Jenni Eklov, Leslie Nelson and Scott Nelson; and Scott's children, Mary Valberg and Rachel Valberg plus many great-grandchildren and extended family members and friends. The family offers their deepest thanks to the exceptional staff at the Veterans Home, their fabulous programming that enables disabled veterans to continue to engage in a full life and for the extraordinary care provided to Luther. Gathering of family and friends: 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 in Cremation Society of Minnesota 4100 Grand Ave. Duluth. Military Honors will be provided by the Duluth Honor Guard. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200.