Charlene Mae Valeko

Charlene “Sherry” Valeko, age 94, of Portage, passed away September 14, 2024. She was born February 27, 1930, in Kalamazoo to the late Arthur and Avis Matthews.

Sherry graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1948. She met the love of her life, Bob Valeko, when she was 18 and they married at age 20. Sherry was a woman who lived from her heart and devoted her life to her role as wife, mom and “nana” to her grandkids and great grandkids. She met each day as a gift. Sherry had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She and Bob traveled to Hawaii several times in their life, which is where her love of everything tropical began. Sherry and Bob spent 30 years living on Gourdneck Lake in Portage enjoying pontoon boat rides, fishing and morning sunrises. 

After Bob passed away 22 years ago, she had several physical setbacks. True to her immense spirit, she recovered and was able to move to an apartment in Sterling Oaks where she lived for the last five years. She played cards, bingo, attended potlucks and weekly breakfast gatherings and had the best quality of life. She made friends with the residents there and they quickly became her extended family. 

Sherry is survived by her two children, Thomas Valeko and Janine (Milo) Scott; grandchildren, Chad and Sally Scott, Corey and Megan Scott, and Ryan Valeko; five amazing great-grandchildren, Olivia, Oliver, Simon, Owen and Lucy; several special cousins, nieces and nephews; and all her special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Valeko. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. A memorial service will take place Wednesday, September 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9420 Portage Rd, Portage, Michigan 49002. A private family committal will occur at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, where Sherry will be laid to rest with her late husband.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sherry may be made to Lord of Life Lutheran Church.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.