Valerie J. Wietfeldt, 55, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly Friday, Sept. 9, 2016 at her home.

She was born October 21, 1961 in Columbia City a daughter of Marvin G. and Jean F. (Leslie) Poyser. She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School and continued her education at Ivy Tech School of Nursing.

Valerie J. Wietfeldt

On August 19, 1989 she was united in marriage to Melvin P. Wietfeldt. They made their home at Old Lake, moving to their present home in 1999.

Valerie worked as an LPN at Columbia City Nursing Home and did home nursing care before beginning her paraprofessional career in special education at Northern Heights Elementary School for five years and Indian Springs Middle School for the past five years.

She attended Richville United Methodist Church in Ligonier and was a member of Indiana Pinto Horse Association. She also served on the Whitley County 4-H Council, advisory board for Whitley Whiskers 4-H Cat Club and coordinator for Junior Leaders.

Surviving relatives include her husband, Mel; a daughter, Jessica Wietfeldt at home; her mother, Jean Poyser of Columbia City; a sister, Vanessa (Bob) Davidsen of Jackson MI; two nephews, Christopher Davidsen and Bradley (Alison) Davidsen; and two great nieces, Kallie Davidsen and Eva Davidsen.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials may be directed to the final expense account payable to Smith & Sons Funeral Home.