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Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, December 27 at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.



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In memory of

Valerie "Val" Oldenberg

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at her home near Philip at the age of 41

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.


Open the Memorial Folder


VISITATION
Monday, December 27, 2021 - 5-7 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Tuesday, December 28, 2021 - 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
“Angels Among Us”
“Never Alone”

USHERS
Lincoln Smith - Tucker Smith

PALLBEARERS
Paul Jones - Ayden Jones
Logan Hale - Devyne Ballengee
Chris Hamann - Ethan Jones

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Tuesday, December 28, 2021 - 2:30 p.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota

  • Miss you ~ Chuck (11/6/2022)
  • Miss you ~ Chuck (11/6/2022)
  • I am so sorry to read about Val passing away, she sure was a wonderful person ~ Joann Stark NE (1/6/2022)
  • Well it has taken me nearly a day to get through this video. You were like a sister to me Val, ever since you entered my life fresh out of Basic and AIT. You and I have built quit the memories together over the years and you will have no earthly idea how much I am going to miss talking to you. But I know you will visit like you promised me you would and I will see you again sister. Until then, fly high honey bee. I will always love you sister. Love Always, Whiskey ~ Pamela Paquet Clarksville, TN (12/29/2021)
  • I am so sorry for your loss. I served with Val and she was a first rate medic, who cared about her fellow soldiers, medics and civilians she treated. ~ Patricia France Steilacoom, WA (12/29/2021)
  • So very sorry for your loss. Val was a wonderful person,who will be greatly missed. Prayers for you all during this difficult time. ~ Brandy Lynch Wall (12/29/2021)
  • Thanks for serving ~ A VETERAN (12/28/2021)
  • Val was a beautiful soul. She was loved. ~ Melissa Slade Mitchell SD (12/28/2021)
  • So sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones during this devastating time. ~ Heather Huether Wall, SD (12/28/2021)
  • So sorry to hear about Val. Really enjoyed visiting with her when we saw her. Oyr prayers are with you and your family. ~ Ray And Karen Gibson PHILIP SD (12/28/2021)
  • Val was a beautiful soul. She was loved. ~ Melissa Slade Mitchell SD (12/27/2021)
  • My thoughts and prayers with all of you. Val was an amazing person and I enjoyed all the times we spent together. Many memories. ~ Tiffanie (Blair) Wakeley Wausa,NE (12/27/2021)
  • Valerie
    You are and always will be a shining star that will burn forever. You gave me a gift that I will never forget and I am sorry for not being there in the end. I wish you were still here but for now rest my love and I will see you again.     ~ Elias Otterville Illinois (12/27/2021)
  • We are so sad to hear about Val. She was such a beautiful and kind woman. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Aaron and Chancie Baenen Lead, SD (12/27/2021)
  • Happier places and happier times ahead. I will see you on the other side. ~ Jeff Slade Pierre SD (12/27/2021)
  • Iowa ~ Jon & Angel Shawda Des moines (12/27/2021)
  • SD ~ Stefanie M Iwan Philip (12/27/2021)
  • Val was such a wonderful person and friend. She will forever be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. ~ Tiffany Noteboom Lead SD (12/26/2021)
  • Val was one of the nicest people I served with!! Thoughts and prayers to the family! ~ Michele Douglas Rochester, NY (12/26/2021)
  • We were so sorry to hear about Val. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. ~ Tucker & Jess Smith Grindstone (12/25/2021)
  • We are so sorry to hear about your daughter Val. I know she was loved by many. I saw it many years ago when she worked at the Philip Hospital. She was so kind and so good at her job. She made life much better for the patient I was visiting. I am sure she did that for everyone she came in contact with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Nancy & Rick Ehrhardt Brandon (12/25/2021)
  • We are thinking of all you folks during the loss of Val. Remember to hold on to all the memories. She will be missed by many. Prayers . ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (12/24/2021)
  • My heart aches for you at this time of tremendous loss. I pray that you can find strength and comfort in Gods love as you grieve this terrible loss. ~ Janet Lurz Wall (12/24/2021)
  • Esther and Dan, We are so sorry to learn of Val's passing. Please let us know if we can assist you. ~ Bobby Buls and Dick Corzine 22899 Cottonwood Road, Philip, SD (12/24/2021)
  • Dan, Esther, and family,
    We are so very sorry for the loss of Val. May you find comfort and peace in the days to come. She was a very nice young lady. Prayers to you all.     ~ Duane & J’Nai Hauk Quinn, SD (12/24/2021)
  • Prayers to the Oldenberg family at this very difficult time. Heaven gained an angel. May the love of family and friends help comfort you in the days ahead. ~ David & Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (12/24/2021)
  • So sorry for your loss. May God wrap you in His love. God Bless you. ~ Vicki Neiderworder Presho ,SD (12/23/2021)
  • Dan and Esther so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you both in my prayers. ~ Marie (Heltzel) Pederson Black Hawk, SD (12/23/2021)
  • Esther and Dan, we are so sorry for your loss. May God give you the strength you need thru this sad time. Our sincere sympathy. ~ Jolene & Don Haynes Philip, SD (12/23/2021)
  • We love you, Val. Rest in paradise, sweetheart. ~ Holly Van SLC, UT (12/23/2021)
  • So very sorry to hear about yur loss. May GOD give you comfort and peace. our prayers are with you ~ Janice and Craig Heigh 2500 Lunar Dr (12/23/2021)
  • May God welcome this wonderful young lady. RIP ~ Alice Slade Gregory, SD (12/23/2021)
  • Sorry to hear of Valeri's passing. You andyour family are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you all. ~ Andrew Eisenbraun Rapid City, SD. (12/23/2021)
  • Ester, Dan & family, may God hold you all tight & help you through the loss of family. You ALL are in our prayers. We always enjoyed having Val come to our home with Tiffany. God bless you ALL in this Christmas season. Sincerely, Kathy & Jerry ~ Kathy S. & Jerry Noteboom 21309 Cabin Road (12/23/2021)
  • ~ Kelly Blair Milesville, South Dakota (12/23/2021)
  • I am so sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . ~ Carla DeLeon Rapid City (12/23/2021)
  • Tom and I send our heart felt sympathy for your loss of this beautiful young lady. ~ Marcia & Tom Biller Marshfield, Wisconsin (12/23/2021)
  • My heart is broken for you. What a dear dear soul with a huge heart. Condolences to you as you deal with this tragic event. ~ Nancy Green Valley, AZ (12/23/2021)
  • South Dakota ~ Zoni L Thorson Philip (12/23/2021)
  • Dear Esther, Dan & family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, my heart breaks for all of you. Hugs to all of you and prayers for comfort and peace. ~ Lynn Seifert Rapid City (12/23/2021)
  • Sorry for your loss,my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family ~ Curtis Bitting 609 bridge street philip,sd 57567 (12/22/2021)
  • So sorry to hear of Val's passing. Worked with her as a Nurses Aid, she had a heart of gold. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (12/22/2021)
  • My condolences keeping family in prayer ~ Bobby Blakeney Texas (12/22/2021)