Valerie 'Val' Kay Reed

BESSEMER, Mich. - Valerie "Val" Kay Reed, 51, of Bessemer, passed away peacefully at her home on July 15, 2019.

She was born on March 2, 1968, to Lawrence and Karina (Mandelin) Beauchamp in Wakefield. She graduated from A.D. Johnson High School in 1987, and she went on to earn her CDL through Gogebic Community College in 2017 and took various art classes.

Valerie was a bartender, CDL holder, upholsterer, and jack-of-all-trades. She was an avid car lover who enjoyed bodywork and tinkering with her beloved El Camino. Valerie was also a fantastic artist and painter, she loved hunting, fishing and sitting by her firepit watching the sky. Other joys included relaxing in her hot tub or sauna, 4-wheeling, NASCAR, rock hunting (always looking for them Yooper rocks, eh) and collecting antiques. Valerie could often be found in her garage with her "best flannel" on or enjoying her evening Busch Light. She was also a great cook, animal lover, and all-around handyman.

She had a loving friendly spirit, was very spiritual, and was incredibly generous with those around her. Always offering up a hot meal, a safe place to stay or a ride home. Valerie was VERY independent, strong-willed; and she loved giving hugs and kisses.

Valerie and all her talents will be greatly missed by those she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence "Wedgie" Beauchamp; and her fiancé, Dale Synkelma.

She is survived by her daughter, Brandi Reed (Jamie Gardner) of Montreal; her son, Cody Reed (Emily Guck) of St. Paul; fiancé, Scotty Casari of Hurley; mother, Katrina Johnson of Ironwood; brother, Jay (Sarah) Walusiak; and nephews, Marshall and Lonnie Beauchamp of Wakefield; ex-husband but lifelong friend, Dan Reed of Escanaba; her dog, Fredrick J. Hatch; and granddogs, Art and Ezio.

A memorial gathering will be held Monday, July 22, at McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St. in Ironwood, preceded by a visitation one hour prior to the service.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family. For more information or to express online condolences, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.