Valerie Rae Bear

NORFOLK – Funeral service for Valerie Rae Bear, 70, of Meadow Grove, Nebraska, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Rev. Eric Gradberg will be officiating the service. Interment will be at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, Norfolk. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Valerie passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Faith Health Hospital in Norfolk with her family at her side. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a later designation. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Valerie was born on May 16, 1956, to Harry and Virginia (Gerkins) Gosch in Norfolk. She grew up on a farm outside of Randolph, Nebraska, attended Randolph Public Schools, and graduated from Randolph High School. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Randolph. Valerie married Richard Bear on November 14, 1975. Together they built a family and were blessed with two children, Tony and Lacy. She also considered Raymond “Dickie” Chamberlain her bonus son. Family was the center of Valerie’s life, and she treasured every moment spent with those she loved. Valerie dedicated more than 30 years of her life to caring for others as a Care Staff Specialist at the Veterans Home and later at Battle Creek Nursing Home. She loved helping others and took great pride in her work. In 2006, following an accident that left her disabled, she was no longer able to continue the career she loved. Valerie had an enormous heart, especially when it came to animals. She was a passionate animal advocate with a lifelong love for wolves and spent countless hours supporting wolf preservation. She also enjoyed creating digital videos and pairing them with meaningful music, allowing her creativity and love of storytelling to shine. She had a strong passion for Native American rights and spiritual matters. While she was a Christian, she deeply appreciated and embraced the spiritual aspects of life. Throughout her life, Valerie faced many health challenges, but she never let them define her. Even after learning her lung disease was irreversible, she faced each day with courage and acceptance, making the most of the time she had with those she loved. Above all else, Valerie loved her family. Nothing brought her greater joy than being a mother and grandmother. She especially cherished her seven grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Virginia Gosch; her husband, Richard Bear; her son, Tony Bear; her sister, Harriet Jacobs; and many other loved family members who went before her. She is survived by her daughter, Lacy Figueroa and husband, Cesar; her bonus son, Raymond “Dickie” Chamberlain; her seven grandchildren, Alizae, Shaydance, Ryanna, Blayden, Ariella, Adrian, and Azalea; her brother, Virgil Gosch and his wife, Pat; her sister, Tami Gosch; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Valerie will be remembered for her compassionate heart, determination, love for animals, and the unconditional love she gave to her family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Valerie Rae Bear

May 16, 1956 - July 18, 2026