Val Thomas Stevens passed away at age 87 at Aviva/Riverbend Assisted Living on January 29, 2026.

Val was born on July 5, 1938. He claimed they canceled the fireworks that year on the 4 ^th and had them on his birthday (it just so happened to be raining on the 4 ^th that year). He was the son of Elsie and Ralph Stevens.

Val graduated from Lourdes Hight School in Rochester in 1955. He married Mary O'Brien, and together they had 6 children, Joseph, Michael, Gerald (Punky), Tamara, Maryann, and Kristi. He joined the Navy July 24, 1956, and was honorably discharged July 22, 1960. Val helped his parents at Blickle's Jewelry, which they owned. He was a "jack of a trades." He was a carpet layer, plumber, electrician, and could build just about anything. He was also an expert at being able to make a shorty story very long! Val joined the police department around 1965 and retired in 1996. He loved his job and always said he would not sell a day of it, or the Navy for $100! He enjoyed hunting with the infamous "Shady Bunch," trapping, fishing, and building things.

Val is survived by his long-time companion, and friend, Kathy. His 6 children, 17 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild, and 2 nephews, Ralph and Sam Ovland.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sandra Overland.

We would like to share a special thank you to the staff at Aviva/Riverbend Assisted Living for all their wonderful care and time.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Rochester Eagle's Club. Burial will take place on April 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Minnesota Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, MN.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com