Valerie Jean Washington-Dick

Valerie Jean Washington-Dick was born in St. Louis Missouri, in 1948 to the union of Margaret Washington nee Finn and Richard Butch Washington Sr. She was raised in the home by both her parents and grandparents, John and Minnie Finn.  

She was concentrated in Jesus Christ in her childhood, attended church regularly, and was baptized at Southern Union Missionary Baptist Church, her grandmother Minnie saw to it! 

In 1967 Valerie became the proud mother of her firstborn daughter, Tracy Shane Washington-Finnel and shortly afterwards, moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where her sister and brother lived. In 1970, she gave birth to her second daughter Crystal Elaine Washington-Armon. 

Val enjoyed living in Wisconsin with her sister Carla.  They worked diligently to give their children the best life possible. They were extremely close, and raised their children more like siblings than cousins. Their children were loved and nurtured.

Val’s life blossomed in Wisconsin. She had the type of personality and charisma that drew people to her.  She was a beautiful woman and loved life. She enjoyed music and dancing. She was an excellent chess player and an even better pool player.

In 1977 Valerie met the love of her life, Ronald Dick. He and the girls bonded instantly, and he has always been “Dad” and “Father” to them. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1981. Ronnie is our family’s treasure as well. Val’s and Ronnie’s love bound them for over 40 years. Val’s health began to decline over the last couple of years and Crystal stepped up to immediately love and care for both Ronnie and Val.

Her dream was to become an interior decorator. Her personal home was even featured in an article by the Milwaukee Journal. This gave her the courage to return to college and study interior design.  This dream was short lived, as in 1999 Valerie and Ronald took on the sole responsibility and care for their three young grandchildren Quincy, Charles, and Chandler Armon and relocated to the Fond du Lac community. 

Valerie’s greatest joy was caring for her grandchildren. She dedicated her life to them. She was hands-on and very involved in their education. She would attend many school functions, participate in classroom activities, and bring treats and surprises to the children. 

She had an unwavering love for her grandsons. They could call on her at any time and she would do absolutely anything for them.  She had a special relationship with each one of them, loving them all equally, but understood their individual needs. She was very proud of the young men they grew up to be. 

Valerie is survived by her husband Ronald Dick; daughters Tracy Finnel and Crystal Armon; grandsons Quincy, Charles, and Chandler Armon; nephew Lamont Richardson; brother Richard Washington; sisters Rolene Walker and Dawn Carter; beloved great grandson Matteo Armon; as well as a host of cousins. 

She was proceeded in death by her sister Carla Ann Richardson; niece Marie Richardson; grandson August Armon; and her parents.

Val’s family invites friends and relatives to a time of visitation on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Zacherl Funeral Home from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. A funeral service will follow visitation at 11:00 A.M. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Fond du Lac.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the hospice time for their excellent care.

Visit www.zacherlfuneralhome.com to send condolences.