Valerie Arlene Kinnick

Valerie Arlene Kinnick (Nemitz) passed away peacefully at 73 years of age on Saturday, September 12, 2026; surrounded by her loving family at the House of Dove in Marshfield, WI.

 Valerie was born June 23, 1953 to Carl August William Nemitz and Arlene Grace Nemitz (Gregory) in Neillsville, WI. She enjoyed life growing up on the family farm with her brother, Carl Franklin Nemitz and the many cows, dogs, cats and other pets they had over the years. A number of family members lived on the farm at various times and some relatives from Racine would also stay with the family during the summer months. One of Valerie’s favorite childhood memories was the Christmas Carl received his red wagon and being pulled or pushed around the farm by their father. She frequently recalled going to town on Friday evenings to shop or watch a movie at the theater and the Sunday drives they would take with no real destination in mind. 

Valerie started school at Silvercrest, a one room schoolhouse south of Neillsville, which remained a special place to her throughout her lifetime. She then attended Pine View Elementary and Southside School before moving to the Middle School in town. In High School, she met her future husband, Warren William Kinnick. They were wed on July 15, 1972 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Neillsville. After living in Kenosha a brief amount of time, Valerie’s persuasion brought the couple back to a farm they purchased in York Township. The farm was exceptionally special to Valerie. It was everything to her and even in her last moments, there was no place she would rather be. 

In 1975, Warren and Valerie welcomed their first son, Warren Wyatt followed by another son Warren Shane-Ellery in 1978. The family enjoyed many activities which included visiting the family cabin, weekend trips to Marshfield, visiting family in Racine, and walking hundreds of miles up and down the road to the farm. Valerie was preceded in death by a daughter, Valerie Marie who was miscarried at 5 months in 1976. 

Holidays were especially important to Valerie and she loved to hold family gatherings, especially Christmas. She always wanted to make time with family special, and loved seeing all of her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These will be the times she is missed the most as she made them all so incredibly special. 

It’s often said for many, but Valerie was one of the best you could ask for. Her positive personality and calm demeanor made her a special person for all who have had the pleasure to know her over the years. Even as the diabetes took over at the end of her life, she tried to stay as upbeat and positive as she could. She was a fighter until the end and will be forever missed. 

Valerie is survived by her husband, Warren; brother Carl (Barb) Nemitz and step-brother Clark Haigh; sons Wyatt (Stacey) Kinnick and Shane (Ashley) Kinnick; grandchildren Vanessa (Jordan) McLean, Ethan Kinnick (Christina Mazzuca - fiancée); Christian and Owen Kinnick; step-granddaughter Megean (Tyler) Buhrow Guy; great-grandchildren; and many other cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; step-father Owen Haigh; In-laws Charles and Marie Kinnick; daughter Valerie Marie; sister-in-law Jeanna (Ron) Kinnick; her little dog Rusty; and numerous cats she loved dearly. 

Services will be held September 18th, 2026 at the York Center United Methodist Church on County Trunk K near Granton. Visitation is at 10am followed by the Funeral at 11am. Internment with a small ceremony will be at Columbia Cemetery in Hewett Township, ending with a dinner to be held at 1pm at the American Legion Hall in Neillsville.

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