Valerie Jean Hausknecht

Valerie Jean Hausknecht returned to the arms of our loving Heavenly Father on July 28, 2025 in Roseville, California, with loved ones holding her hands just days after her 78th birthday. Born July 24, 1947 in Oak Park, Illinois, she was the eldest daughter of Frank L. Davenport, Jr. and Barbara Ann Bressem. She moved to California as an infant and has lived in Concord, Pleasant Hill, and Roseville throughout her life.

Valerie was a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Edwin Hausknecht; daughter Carol Sorensen (Kent), son Paul Hausknecht, and niece Aubrey Vincent (James); grandchildren Jeff (Melissa), Brian (Amanda), Katie, and Kevin (Emily); great-grandchildren Millie, Quinn, Emmett, Nico, Mayana, Bría, Matías, Cedar, Eden, Cece, and Enzo; and many dear friends and neighbors.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Valerie served diligently in many roles. She especially enjoyed coordinating a “Silver Sisters” luncheon group and serving as a temple worker with her husband at the Sacramento, CA temple. She was deeply loved by her church community, and her steadfast faith guided her life and her approach to motherhood. Valerie found great joy in doing family history research, earning certification as a genealogist from BYU-I and finding over 1000 ancestors and learning about their lives. She shared, “Because each name on my chart links me to the previous generation, I can sense a continuity of kinship and love going back in time.”

Valerie seemed to touch the hearts of everyone she met with her kindness and unconditional support, offering a helping hand, a listening ear, and always a smile.

As a 32-year breast cancer survivor, she especially knew how to comfort others in their trials. Recently diagnosed with a second cancer (multiple myeloma), she passed away one week after her first chemo treatment. She was hopeful for more time with family and told friends, “I am so grateful for the life that I’ve had.” She was surrounded by her family during her last few days on Earth, with each of her grandkids and great-grandbabies knowing how much she loved them.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 9th at 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1240 Junction Blvd. in Roseville. Interment will be at a later date at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon. In lieu of flowers and to honor Valerie’s life of service, donations may be made to LDS Humanitarian Aid, 1450 N. University Ave., Provo, UT 84604.