Valerian Koralewski

Valerian Apolo Koralewski, age 88, of Brooks, MN, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at his home.

Valerian was born on July 7, 1932, in Florian, MN, the son of the late Thomas and Theresa (Kurowski) Koralewski.  He was raised on the family farm in St. Hilaire, MN, and attended country school.  Afterwards, he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.  He was united in marriage to Donna Pokrzywinski on September 6, 1958, in Dorothy, MN.  The couple made their home in Brooks, MN, where they farmed until retirement.  Valerian was a dairy farmer and worked at the Brooks Cheese Factory.   He was active in the American Legion, the VFW, and enjoyed playing cards, cribbage, gardening, dairy farming, and lecturing.  Valerian was a fervent Catholic with a strong devotion to the rosary.  He will forever be fondly remembered for his dedication to his family, his faith, and his church, and for his contagious laugh and whisker rubs.

Valerian is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Donna Koralewski of Brooks, MN; sons, Brian Koralewski of Savage, MN, Steve (Rona) Koralewski of Oklee, MN, Kevin (Linette) Koralewski of Glencoe, MN; Craig (Steph) Koralewski of Maple Plains, MN, and Randy (Mary) Koralewski of Glencoe, MN; daughters, Stacy Pahlen of Grand Forks, ND, Terese (Burt) Hernandez of St. Paul, MN, and Kristy (Steve) Gilmor of Byers, CO; 34 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren plus 1 on the way; 3 siblings: Rosalie (Sheldon) Pigeon of Brooklyn Park, MN, Gordon (Joanne) Koralewski of Avon, MN, and Lorraine Guzek of Thief River Falls, MN; brother-in-law, Don Siefert of Minneapolis, MN; sister-in-law, Carolyn Koralewski of Smyrna, TN; and son-in-law, Steven Pahlen of Plummer, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Theresa Koralewski; brother, Adolph Koralewski; sisters, Veronica Siefert and Adeline Koralewski; and brother-in-law, Clarence Guzek.

Mass of Christian Burial for Valerian will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Crookston, MN, with a time of visitation 1 hour before.  Father Jacques Emily will be Celebrant.  The wake will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, January 15, 2021, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm.  Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Brooks, MN.  Military honors will be provided by the Crookston Veterans Council and the US Air Force after the funeral mass.