Valerie Anne Stevens, the sweet baby daughter of Brian and Louise (Wentker) Stevens, was received into the arms of her Savior after 18 short days here on earth. During their 20 week check-up, Valerie was diagnosed with a very rare and complex Congenital Heart Defect, so they knew this would be a tough uphill battle for such a little girl. Thus, she was given the name Valerie which means “strong, fierce, and healthy”. After two open heart surgeries in less than 36 hours Valerie’s heart needed some time to rest and recover, but over the course of the following week proved to be too much for her heart to mend.
Valerie Anne was welcomed into the arms of her Mommy and Daddy on July 7, 2021 at 4:53am weighing 6lbs. 9oz. She entered into the world under the care of the best staff at Froedtert and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. During her stay at Children’s in the CICU, she quickly earned the nickname of “the sweet little peanut in W313” that everyone had to meet. She certainly showed her sweet and sassy personality as she continued to try to escape from her wires and cords and most certainly kept the nurses and staff on their toes.
During her short life here she received countless snuggles, kisses, “Tilly” tickles on her feet, books read to her, and arts and crafts time. We may have only had 18 short days with her but Mommy and Daddy made sure she knew she was loved beyond all measure.
Valerie is survived by her Mommy and Daddy, Louise and Brian Stevens of Green Bay; grandparents: Margie and Ken Wentker of Mishicot, Don Stevens of Green Bay; great-grandma, Hazel Barthels of Mishicot; and special aunties: Natalie Wentker of Milwaukee and Katie Wentker of Minocqua; along with great aunties and great uncles. She was preceded by grandma, Sharon Stevens; and great-grandparents: Oscar Barthels; Robert and Betty Wentker; Frank and Betty Manning.
A Christian Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 2nd, 2021 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 325 Randolph Street in Mishicot. Pastor Joel Stuebs will preside at the service, with burial to follow in the Mishicot Public Cemetery.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home, 344 S. State Street, Mishicot, Sunday evening, August 1st, from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Monday morning from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.
Memorial donations received in Valerie’s name will be directed to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin or can be made to the donor’s choice.
The Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot is serving the Stevens family.
Brian and Louise would like to give a special thank you to Froedtert and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Thank you to the entire cardiac team for caring for our little peanut and giving her the best care parents could ever hope and ask for. The staff on West 3 in the CICU were not only medical professionals, but became part of our family during our stay. We will never forget the compassionate and extraordinary level of care they offered both physically and emotionally to both Valerie and us. They cared for Valerie as they would their own child, and we will be forever grateful for Cathy, Jaci, Lori, Allison, Aly and the Rachels, to mention a few of these angels in West 3.
