By Doug Spencer
Posted: Updated:
8 Comments
  • Visitation

    Wednesday, November 13, 2024

    2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

    House of Prayer - Albion, Illinois

  • Service

    Funeral services will be held in Orland Park, Illinois at a later date.

  • Full Obituary

    Edwards County Circuit Judge, The Honorable Michael Joseph Valentine, 43, passed away on November 5, 2024, at his residence in Edwards County, Illinois.

    He was born on April 14, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois, to Michael J. Valentine Sr. and Marilyn (Jablonowski) Valentine.

    Michael earned his law degree at Southern Illinois University. He was elected State’s Attorney in Edwards County, Illinois, serving 8 years before being elected Circuit Judge for Edwards County. He was a Chicago EMT prior to becoming a lawyer. He was a member of the Albion Fire Department, Heritage Lodge 356, and the Albion Moose Lodge. Michael was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Judges Association, and was also a Drug Court Judge. He was of Catholic Faith. He will be remembered as a good and fair judge, who helped many he served. Most of all, he was a loving son and a loving father.

    He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Marilyn) Valentine Sr.; his children, daughter Mia Rose Valentine and son Michael Joseph Valentine III; an uncle, Robert Valentine; and an aunt, Carol Summerfeld; and 3 cousins. He also leaves behind many in his community, colleagues, co-workers and friends who cherish his memory.

    Visitation for Michael J. Valentine will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at the House of Prayer in Albion, Illinois.

    Funeral services will be held in Orland Park, Illinois at a later date.

    Ingram Meridith Funeral Home of Albion, Illinois is honored to assist the Valentine family with arrangements

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

8 Condolences
 
  1. Claudette / November 8, 2024 at 4:57 pm

    I am so saddened and my heart is heavy. I am praying for all of you for strength and peace. Marilyn and Mike, and Mia and Michael III, , cousin Michael was loved so dearly. I will forever remember him and his warm personality and infectious smile. May the moments of his tender life that brought you happiness and made you smile, thankful and proud remain in all of your hearts forever.

    With deepest sympathies, may his memory be eternal.

  2. Amber McGreevy / November 8, 2024 at 5:36 pm

    My sincere condolences for the Valentine family, all of his colleagues, friends etc
    I have had the life changing experience of having him as my judge. He honestly helped me to save my life. It’s because of this Man that I have completely changed my life around for the best. He will be greatly missed.

  3. Trina Gray / November 9, 2024 at 9:15 am

    My sincere heartfelt condolences and prayers for the family.

  4. CHERYL R. WHITLEY / November 9, 2024 at 1:55 pm

    Our Family’s sincerest condolences go out to Judge Valentine and his Family. May God comfort you and give you all peace that surpasses all understanding. I will remember Judge Valentine having a light inside of him and such a warm smile. He will be missed by all.

    The Whitley Family

  5. Dawn Jasicek / November 10, 2024 at 5:35 pm

    So sorry I can not be there. Michael was one of my very first best friends! I will always cherish the friendship we had forever

    Dawn Jasicek (Olson)

  6. Deb Miller / November 11, 2024 at 7:50 am

    Sad to hear of the passing of Judge Michael Valentine, sending prayers and thoughts to his family. He will be greatly missed. Always friendly and had a smile on his face.

  7. Benjamin P. Hyink / November 12, 2024 at 11:35 am

    Judge Valentine presided over two of my cases. One was settled with his help, and the other was decided by him after a Bench trial. Judge Valentine was intelligent, fair and just. He was an excellent Judge. We both enjoyed sharing our high school wrestling careers at Carl Sandburg High School. Such a devastating loss.

    Benjamin P. Hyink

  8. Mike Samars / November 12, 2024 at 3:32 pm

    Dear Marilyn Condolences to you and your family on the loss of your son My thoughts and prayers are ongoing Michael Samars

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