Valera "Val"

Philbrick

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Norfolk — Valera "Val" Philbrick, 97, of Norfolk, formerly of O'Neill, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 at the Norfolk Veteran's Home in Norfolk.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in O'Neill.

Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the giver's choice in Val's name.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of the arrangements.

Val started life in the Stuart community and taught in one-room rural schoolhouses. Her transportation was by horse, which she reverently spoke about, collecting horse memorabilia throughout her life.  

She married Dwayne Philbrick, a classmate who returned from the U.S. Navy. 

They spent over 60 years in O'Neill where she was active in various organizations, the 4-H and Extension Service, Eden Rebekah Lodge over 50 years and the Methodist women; always serving others, including the care of son Dan after a debilitating accident.

Her greatest joy was music and gifting those musical abilities to all. From the days of her father playing in barn dances and learning to play by ear on the piano, trombone in high school and later the accordion, there was always a song in her heart. She shared through choir, kitchen band and various entertainment venues. She played the keyboard for the Veterans Chapel and would break into a tune at any given moment.

Her life was a pleasant journey as she relived her stories in her final days and readied herself for eternal peace.

Val is survived by her two daughters Laveda (Tim) McDonald and Diane Carkhuff, three grandchildren,Benn, Laraine and Troy, along with their families, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Lottie Lofquest, her husband Dwayne, her two siblings Bud and Alma and her son Daniel.

The family would like to extend our thanks to the St. Croix Hospice team and the Veterans Home for her care and family support.             

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