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Richard John "Flippo" Valentino
Black River Falls, Wisconsin
February 25, 1929 - January 8, 2026
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Richard John "Flippo" Valentino Obituary
Dear Family and Friends,
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Richard “Flip” Valentino, age 96, of Black River Falls, WI, formerly of Crosby, MN. Richard passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Richard was born on February 25, 1929, in Ironton, MN, to Richard and Rosa (Ballone) Valentino. He was the youngest child of his Italian immigrant parents—his father emigrated from San Giacomo, Italy, in 1910, and his mother from Torino, Italy, in 1916.
Richard began his career at Inland Armour Number 2 underground mine in Crosby-Ironton, where manganese was mined. Starting as a timberman, he later became a miner. In 1954, he married Joyce Lowrie, and together they raised six wonderful children. In 1969, they moved to Black River Falls, where Richard worked for the Jackson County Iron Company, a subsidiary of Inland Steel, mining taconite. He held many roles and eventually became pit foreman. After retiring, Richard drove a school bus for the district, touching countless lives along the way.
Richard loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He had a lifelong passion for sports and proudly remembered his Minnesota state basketball tournament runs in 1946, 1947, and 1948. His final moments were spent listening to vinyl records from those tournaments. A devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, Richard was always present at his family’s athletic events—you could always find “Flippy” at a ballgame.
If not at a game, Richard was likely enjoying coffee with friends, sharing stories, and good-natured teasing. He and Joyce loved garage sales and summers at Sunset Beach Big Pine Lake in Perham, MN.
Richard is survived by his children:
Dena (Steve) Stenulson, Geno (Mary) Valentino, Danette (Karl) Hackbarth, Jolene (Bill) Teeples, Dino (Kelly) Valentino, and Marla (Tim) Wiste, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; parents, Richard and Rosa; siblings, Joseph, Reno, Anna (Dolly), and Theresa; grandson, Jordan Valentino; and great-granddaughter, Valencia Valentino.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Guardian Angels St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Black River Falls with Father Gregory Michaud officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service. Torgerson Funeral Home, Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dear Family and Friends,
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Richard “Flip” Valentino, age 96, of Black River Falls, WI, formerly of Crosby, MN. Richard passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Richard was born on February 25, 1929, in Ironton, MN, to Richard and Rosa (Ballone) Valentino. He was the youngest child of his Italian immigrant parents—his father emigrated from San Giacomo, Italy, in 1910, and his mother from Torino, Italy, in 1916.
Richard began his career at Inland Armour Number 2 underground mine in Crosby-Ironton, where manganese was mined. Starting as a timberman, he later became a miner. In 1954, he married Joyce Lowrie, and together they raised six wonderful children. In 1969, they moved to Black River Falls, where Richard worked for the Jackson County Iron Company, a subsidiary of Inland Steel, mining taconite. He held many roles and eventually became pit foreman. After retiring, Richard drove a school bus for the district, touching countless lives along the way.
Richard loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He had a lifelong passion for sports and proudly remembered his Minnesota state basketball tournament runs in 1946, 1947, and 1948. His final moments were spent listening to vinyl records from those tournaments. A devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, Richard was always present at his family’s athletic events—you could always find “Flippy” at a ballgame.
If not at a game, Richard was likely enjoying coffee with friends, sharing stories, and good-natured teasing. He and Joyce loved garage sales and summers at Sunset Beach Big Pine Lake in Perham, MN.
Richard is survived by his children:
Dena (Steve) Stenulson, Geno (Mary) Valentino, Danette (Karl) Hackbarth, Jolene (Bill) Teeples, Dino (Kelly) Valentino, and Marla (Tim) Wiste, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; parents, Richard and Rosa; siblings, Joseph, Reno, Anna (Dolly), and Theresa; grandson, Jordan Valentino; and great-granddaughter, Valencia Valentino.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Guardian Angels St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Black River Falls with Father Gregory Michaud officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service. Torgerson Funeral Home, Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.