Carl Valvoda, 33, of Helena passed away May 30, 2015 as a result of a long battle with brain cancer. His family was by his side when he peacefully drifted off to be with the Lord. He was born to Vince and Glenda Valvoda of Helena on July 10, 1981 in Renton, Washington. He moved to Helena, MT in July 1999._x000D_
_x000D_
Carl joined the Air Force in April 2001 and served two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also volunteered to assist with humanitarian missions including providing support with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Other missions included service in Korea, Alaska and Hawaii. Prior to his diagnosis, Carl was training to become a Loadmaster on the C-130 Hercules with the MT Air National Guard Unit, 120th Airlift Wing, out of Great Falls, MT. Before this new journey in his military career, Carl was an Armament Systems Specialist on both the F-15, and F-16 fighter planes. His new career as Loadmaster was put on hold due to his diagnosis in January 2014, however Carl had already earned his “wings”. Now, he had a new mission to focus on. Staff Sgt Carl Valvoda was medically retired on October 31, 2014. He considered his 13 year career with the MT Air National Guard to have been exciting and fulfilling. Carl served his country with pride and loved his military family._x000D_
In addition to serving his country, Carl was also an avid outdoorsman and devoted family man. He loved hunting, fishing, camping and anything that kept him active and experiencing adventure. Whether it was hunting for elk with his best friend, night fishing on warm summer nights at the causeway with his wife, hiking with his daughters, or teaching his 6 year old son to ride a quad, Carl loved nothing more than to live life to the fullest. _x000D_
Carl always put family first. He was a loving father, husband, son and friend. He understood what was important in this life and did not focus on inconsequential matters. Carl’s love for life, family and friends was unending. Always putting the wellbeing of his family and friends first, it is no surprise that he had many people who cared for him throughout his entire life. Many of these friends and family came to be by his side during a very difficult time over the last year. We thank each and every one of you greatly for your unconditional support._x000D_
_x000D_
Carl is survived by his parents Vince and Glenda Valvoda of Helena; his wife Jamie Valvoda and their three children, Shelby, Madalyn and Gabriel, also of Helena. He is also survived by his loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends._x000D_
_x000D_
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Big Sky Cremations in Helena, MT. The funeral will be held at Canyon Ferry Baptist Church on June 5, 2015 at 11am; military honors and burial will follow at ST. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, there has been a memorial fund set up for donations to support Carl’s family at any Valley Bank location in Helena._x000D_
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Randy Routzahn says
Jamie and family. I am sorry for you losing Carl, son, father, husband and great guy. Knowing Jamie and all the respect she had for him the kids will never forget their father. He is now resting completely healed and watching over his loved ones. Peace to your family. Randy Routzahn
Sarah Donermeyer says
Continue to think of you all and mourn Carl. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sarah, Pete and the kids
Matt Ott says
Carl, you were one of the good ones my friend. It was such a great pleasure to work with you in the Guard. From New Orleans and on the Hill, you were always fun to talk to and toss back a few beers on drill weekends. Thanks for all the advise on house construction and most of all the daily talks about life. Jamie, please accept my deepest sympathy. After all my tears are gone, I will keep close to my heart many things of Carl. He was a great friend, worker and husband. I cannot tell you how many times he spoke of you in a manner only one who is truly in love can. Thank you. Rest in peace my friend.
Carolynn Bright says
Jamie, Glenda, Jessie and family,
Doug and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies in the loss of Carl. We truly enjoyed getting to know Carl and Jamie playing Red Hazard softball and whenever else we had the opportunity to run into them. It is those memories that will come to mind whenever we think of Carl. Hang on to those great, fun times. We are here for you always.
Carolynn and Doug Bright
Jessie Hill says
From the moment Carl walked into our lives until the time he left us, he was not only 100% dedicated to his own family, but us as well by proxy. I have never met another person so full of love for those around them. Always full of so much life and energy, anytime he was around, we were infected by his exuberance. A man of integrity and morals, he was a model of what I think of when I picture what a “good man” is.
Carl was a lot of things to a lot of people. For me, he’ll always be my brother, my friend, my partner in firework celebrations, and my hero.
I’ll miss you, bro.
Jessie Hill
Jamie Valvoda says
Thank you so much Randy.. Means a lot to me.
Bob and Pat Lorentson says
So sorry to hear of Carl’s passing. What a wonderful and accomplished young man. He will certainly be missed. Thank God for memories.
Bob and Pat Lorentson.
Ellen Greely Ullrich says
Jamie, Glenda, and Vince… I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man..and Jamie he loved you and ur kids so much. I know your pain…I have no words to help. Only time will heal your pain. Glenda and Vince.. he loved you both so much! You raised a terrific man.. he will be missed so much..already is. Sleep in Peace my friend.
Ellen Ullrich and Family
Rob Bird says
I’m very sorry for your loss Jamie.
AFRAH ALASADI says
Lit a candle in memory of Carl Valvoda
Sonia Haugen Stouffer says
Lit a candle in memory of Carl Valvoda
Dad & Karla says
Dad & Karla purchased the Crystal Cross Bouquet for the family of Carl Valvoda.
robert brothers says
Vince and Glenda…I did not know Carl,and I can’t find words to help…but I know the pain in the family.
Jamie Valvoda says
Lit a candle in memory of Carl Valvoda
Lindie Tribby says
I’m truly saddened to hear of this. My husband Ross was in Weapons with him. I had the pleasure of meeting him through work. I wish I had the words to express my condolences to you and your family. I know my husband Ross was there to great him.
Pam Brown says
Dearest Jamie & Family ~
I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful Husband and Son.
My Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you and may God continue to Heal your Hearts. Carl will be truly missed by all.
May God Bless You,
Pam Brown
Helena, MT
Gene Ray says
So sorry for your loss
Jessie Hill says
Lit a candle in memory of Carl Valvoda
Love Joey and Scott Tillotson says
Love Joey and Scott Tillotson purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Carl Valvoda.
Julie Keech Harris says
My sincere prayers go out to Glenda, Vince and Carl’s wife, children, family and friends! May our Lord God wrap His arms of comfort around each of you. Love Julie, Steve & Aunt Gin
Loween Lent says
Vince, Glenda and Jamie,
I am so sorry to hear of Carl’s passing. Vince and Glenda I cannot express in words the difficulty that you are going through, but I send to you both with heavy heart my deepest sympathy and prayers. Jamie I did not get the pleasure of meeting you but I have known Vince, Glenda and Carl for many years and my prayers are with you and your entire family. May the beautiful and loving memories that you all created comfort you at this time.
Love, Loween/Erica Lent