Heaven has welcomed a big hearted man with an unwavering smile and a hearty laugh. Valden R. “Val” Wollan passed away July 7, 2021 at 88 years old after a life well lived. He is survived by his sons Bob (Teresa), Mike (Myriah), daughter Lori and two grandchildren Tessa and Nole Wollan. Val is also survived by a sister-in-law Karen Wollan of Montana.
Val was preceded in death by his wife, Artoria “Tory” (Wylie) Wollan, father, Reuben Wollan, mother, Nella (Corkery) Wollan, brother, Michael Wollan and son-in-law, Ron Mickelson.
Val was born July 15, 1932 in Burlington, N.D., but was raised in Plentywood, Mont. After graduating from Plentywood High School in 1950, Val enrolled at Eastern Montana University where he played on the basketball team and earned his associate degree. He then served in the Army from 1952-1954. After his service in the Army, Val eventually enrolled and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in industrial arts from Montana State University.
Val met his wife, Tory, while both were attending college in Bozeman, Mont., and they married July 2, 1960. They made their home in Centralia, Wash., and were married for 48 years. Val began his work in Centralia at Keen and Howards and eventually created a self-employed floor covering business.
Val was passionate about sports and was active in the Centralia Little League program for 14 years. He made a big impact on a generation of kids who went through the program during those years. He was also a coach in the Twin City Youth Football program, and was one of the founders of the Centralia High School Booster Club. He loved to watch his children participate in football, basketball and baseball and then later his two grandchildren. You would always see Val in the stands rooting them on.
Val loved spending time with his family and many friends from here to Montana with a big smile on his face and a gift for gab.
The family would like to invite you to join them at a celebration of Val’s life at Dick’s Brewing Company to be held at 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on July 31, 2021.
