Kenneth Nicholas Valk Sr. of Walden, a lifetime resident of the area, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Middletown, he was 78.
Ken was the son of the late Klaus Nicholas Valk and Gertrude McCord Valk; he was born May 28, 1945 in Cornwall.
Ken was a retired dairy farmer of Fairlawn Farms, the family farm established in 1929, that he and his father Klaus owned and managed together. After retiring from dairy in the late 80’s, he started a contracting business and recently was the Co-Owner of Kenneth Valk and Son Contracting. Ken was a lifetime member of the Walden Baptist Church. He was a dedicated church member serving as Chairman of the board for many years, and more recently served as co-chair of the Deacon Board. Ken was the founder of the Monty Riders Snowmobile Club and was an active member of the Montgomery Grange. For all of his family and friends, Ken was the “guy to call” whenever anyone needed help with anything he would come and lend a hand.
Survivors include Barbara, his loving wife of 56 years, and their three children. Two daughters, Laurie Russell (Rick), and their children, Nicholas and Daniel, Cheryl Valk, and her children Jeffrey and Tyler VanDemark and his son, Ken Valk Jr. (Elissa), and their children, Alex and Adelia. Ken is also survived by his siblings, his brother Gilbert Valk (Diane), his sister Nancy Misasi, and several nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Carol Schimmel.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 8, 4 - 8 p.m. at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden
A funeral service will take place Friday, June 9, at 11 a.m. at the Walden Baptist Church, 38 Bank St., Walden. Rev. James Van Houten will officiate.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Walden Baptist Church.
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.