On September 2, 1955, she married Guy Kerns and together they raised four children. She was a faithful stay-at-home mom until her youngest began school, and then she played a larger role in Guy’s business (Guy Kerns Auto City) as bookkeeper. Guy passed suddenly in 1987 and in 1991 Valerie found love again. She married Robert Marhenke and they led a happy life in retirement years until his death in 2014.
Valerie was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, and friend. She approached life with a quiet strength and desired peace in her relationships. She was quick to extend grace and a listening ear. Though she went through plenty of trials in life, her faith in Jesus remained steadfast.
Valerie always served the church and community. She faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels for 50 years, served on Consistory at her church, Hope Community, as well as other areas of service. In later years she folded bulletins every week and took this job very seriously!
She enjoyed visits from grandkids, puzzles, games, TV (especially game shows!), and attending church regularly up until the very end of her life. Most of all, she loved her family.
Easter was her favorite holiday and she would have the grandkids over to dye eggs. One year she boiled 18 dozen eggs so that each kid had two dozen to take home. It is fitting that on Easter she began her journey to Heaven.
Valerie is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Guy Kerns; parents-in-law, Lee and Florence Kerns; second husband, Bob Marhenke; brother, Norm Papke; brothers-in-law Bob and Kenneth Kerns; nephew, Donald Burke; and stepson, Bill Marhenke. She will be lovingly missed by children Steve (May) Kerns, Scott (Johanna) Kerns, Stu (Kelli) Kerns, Sharilyn (Mike) Van Wyhe; 24 grandchildren including spouses; 18 great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister, Verona Burke; sisters-in-law Ruth Kerns and Arllys Papke; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Special thanks to Wanda Vander Broek and Julie Wondercheck for their friendship and loving care.
The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Valerie’s life 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Hope Community Church, 530 W. Sanctuary Rd., Lincoln, NE.
A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service.
Burial will take place 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 O Street, Lincoln, NE.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hope Community Church or Meals on Wheels in memory of Valerie.