Arvid Valen, age 78, of Gary, MN, died Sunday, August 29, 2021, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Arvid L. Valen, the son of Arne and Laura (Hagy) Valen, was born on November 25, 1942, in Mahnomen, MN.  When he was 4, Arvid's family moved onto the family farm in Waukon Township, rural Gary, MN.  He was raised on the farm and helped with daily chores.  He attended school in Gary and later studied at the Crookston Ag School.  Arvid's heart has always been in farming, and he eagerly joined the family farming operation.  At a local dance, Arvid met the love of his life, Shirley Gullingsrud. The couple was united in marriage on November 30, 1963, and they made their first home in Mahnomen.  A few months later they moved to the farm where they have made their home together for over 50 years.  They worked alongside of his parents, raising dairy cattle and grains, as well as chickens for several years.  Arvid continued the family tradition and purchased the farm, over the years selling the cattle and focusing on grain production. He was also very active helping with neighbors' potato and corn harvests each year.  Proudly, he sold the farm to his son, Cory, in the early 2000's, and although officially retired, Arvid remained very active helping as he was able.

Arvid had a great sense of humor and his quick wit brought about many smiles.  He loved to play cards, roll dice, and go to the Casino.  In his quieter time, he liked to watch action movies and westerns.  When they could sneak away, Arvid and Shirley also enjoyed traveling and visiting family.  Arvid's true passion was farming, he truly loved the land and never shied away from the work it took to produce a successful crop.  Over the years, Arvid was active on the Gary Ag Board, a member of Ness Lutheran Church and enjoyed his participation with Cass Clay Dairy Organization.  He adored his family and cherished his granddaughters and his great grandchildren, who will now carry in their hearts his loving memory.

Arvid is survived by his wife, Shirley of Gary; two sons, Ritchie (Karen Kuhl) Valen of O'Fallon, MO, and Cory Valen of Gary; two daughters, Melinda (Jody) Munson of Moorhead, MN, and Tanya (Larry) Senechal of Balfour, ND; two sisters, Joanne Van Hale of Minneapolis, MN, and Jeanne Hoppestad of Denver, CO; one brother, David (Meg) Valen of Jordan, MN; three granddaughters: Andrea (Eli) Shepherd, Olivia (Greg) Niederer, and Sarah Senechal; and three great-grandchildren: Merrin and Lorne Shepherd and Cassidy Niederer; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers-in-law, Gilbert Van Hale and LaMont Hoppestad.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary, MN.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 1, 2021 from 5:00 -7:00 pm with a prayer service at 6:00 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will take place in the Ness Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.