Valda Santee, 75, Our beloved mother and friend passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at the Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton, Iowa. Valda was born on December 5, 1940 in Hampton, IA to Gilbert and Doris (Harlan) Oleson. In 1958 she married Donald Gene Santee and together they had 4 children, Kevin, Dawn, Cheryl and Vashni. Valda was employed by Maytag where she retired to travel the country with her husband Donald and eventually came to settle down in the small town of Lime Springs, IA. Valda was an avid swimmer and enjoyed watching and cheering on her favorite college teams in any sport. A unique and caring soul who enjoyed puzzles, a good book and playing board games with her family. She was the embodiment of family. She will be greatly missed.
Valda is survived by her husband Donald Santee of Lime Springs, Iowa, and children, Kevin Santee (Denise) of Kesley, Iowa, Dawn Littlefield (Michael) of Dover, Minnesota, Cheryl Santee of Des Moines, Iowa and Vashni San Antonio (Pedro) of Ann Arbor, Michigan; 15 grandchildren, many great grandchildren; sister Phyllis Griffin of Austin, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
Valda is preceded in death by her parents; t...[more]
sisters, Marlys Petrie and Eunice Oleson; two brothers, Vail Oleson and Gary Oleson; one grandson Christopher David Smith.
Special thanks to the caring staff at St. Croix Hospice, New Hampton, Iowa.