Louis Valenti

Louis Nathan Valenti, 71, beloved and cherished father, son, and brother, passed away at his home in Idaho Falls on March 5, 2025.

Young Lou got his start in the Sportsman’s Paradise of South Louisiana where he enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and experienced country living with his folks and fun-loving Uncle Eddie. They showed him how to hunt, go crab fishing, kill snakes in the yard, smoke out armadillos when the dogs wouldn’t stop barking, saw down trees, chop wood, work a tractor, and round up a cow or two for auction by the Mississippi River. In the hot hazy summers, he would ride his bike down the country road, selling eggs from the chicken barn. He enjoyed his camping trips around Louisiana and Mississippi during his boy scout years.

Lou learned to wood-work and took pride in cleaning his rifles. He would frequently work with his dad on their old ’55 Jubilee tractor, honing his skills in mechanics that culminated in his love of old vintage cars and motorcycles.

He relished occasions after an outing of pecan picking in New Roads, when he wouldn’t budge from the kitchen until he was allowed to poke the pecans into each candy piece as his mom poured her special praline recipe onto the kitchen counter. How he enjoyed the family gatherings around the table, shucking corn or snapping beans from the garden, with his sights afterward on eating out of the gallon bucket of ice cream on a hot summer’s day or hand cranking the homemade ice cream churner.

Lou was extremely proud of his service and dedication to his country while in the Navy from July 7th, 1971, to March 1st, 1993. Among his accomplishments were his 7 years of active duty in the nuclear submarines, followed by 20 to 14 years of reserve duty. He retired a decorated Chief Machinist Mate.

With his nuclear background, he pursued and acquired his Master’s degree in Industrial Technology, while working on and supervising the safety and security of America’s nuclear reactors, having served sites between Washington state and Texas and in the Midwest.

Lou’s early years with the Navy were spent in California which served as his springboard to the great Northwest. There amongst the idyllic gifts of nature, he established his family and spent the remainder of his life.

He kept good company with friends who enjoyed sharing stories and recollections, regularly marked by lesson, insight, humor, and engaging articulation. He was a fun-loving child at heart who never missed a chance to be silly. He deeply appreciated the relationships that he formed throughout his life and interests, from Louisiana to the Navy to his work in the nuclear field, car clubs, Freedom Birds, veterans’ groups, retirement group, and the Empty Nesters. Lou’s family wishes to express their gratitude to both them and his kind neighbor, Phil, who assisted our Lou during his last days, Shawnee for her recent love and companionship, Paul Aschenbrenner for his infinite wisdom, Jeff for his road trips, and every neighbor, coworker, family and friend who have poured their support and condolences as we navigate the next chapter.

Lord, we are grateful for your gift of time granted to us together with Lou on this earth. Have your arms and your angels surround our beloved father, loving son, and brother like no other. May he rest in peace.

“Sometimes, only one person is missing, and the whole world seems depopulated.” – Alphonse de Lamartine

Lou was a loving provider to his family and a proud father to his children and grandchildren. He had a generous, accommodating nature along with a demeanor for sharing and teaching. He was also known to lend a kind and caring ear.

Louis was preceded in death by his father, Louis D. Valenti; and by his wife, Gloria.

He is survived by his two children and four grandchildren, Nate (Teresa) Valenti, Marcus, Maria and Natalie (Rich) Bauer, Nathan, and Liam, who dearly loved their Papa Lou. He is survived by his beloved mother, Mrs. Valenti; his caring sister, Elisa; and nieces and nephews that he held dear along with his many cousins from New York City and St. Louis. He is also survived by his first wife, Debra, the mother of his children.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 3- 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. A graveside service with military honors will be held in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to VFW Post 2146, 485 Constitution Way, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.