Valeria M. Pauls

Valeria Maxine Pauls, age 94, of Mountain Iron, MN, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Cornerstone Villa in Buhl, MN. She was born on April 23, 1932, in Paynesville, MN, to Ernest and Lilian (Otteson) Pelkey.

Valeria met her husband, Marlan, and together they raised their three children. She taught them true values, to be kind, to be happy, and to have fun. Valeria was a hard-working woman who helped on the farm and drove a bus for Shubat Transportation Company. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Buhl, MN, and attended the Red Hat Club. Valeria enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, canning, sewing, bowling, and especially playing cards. She was a loving mother, wife, sister, grandma, great grandma, and friend, and will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her children, Emily (Mark) Maki, Brian Pauls, and Jeanne Pauls; grandchildren, Robyn (John) Klopfliesch and Becky (Aaron) Braaten; great-grandchildren, Cody Maki, Mark Braaten, and Hailey Braaten; numerous nieces and nephews; and other relatives.

Valeria is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Marlan Pauls; siblings, Eileen Bratch, Doloris Schwandt, and Larry Pelkey.

Per her request, there will be no services at this time. In honor of a loving person, have a Rum and Coke for Valeria!

Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing, MN.