Valerie J. Hallstrom, 68, of Loves Park, IL and formerly of Belvidere, IL died Friday evening, April18, 2014 in her home after a sudden illness.  Valerie was born October 18, 1945 in Belvidere, IL the daughter of George "Bud" and Vorita (Lance) Ward.  She married John J. Hallstrom in Rockford, IL on February 1, 1964. Valerie retired from the City of Belvidere, where she was the administrative assistant for Mayors Fred Brereton, Rory Peterson and Pat Murphy; she also worked for Atty. David Towns.   Valerie gave back to the community by being a foster mother, and a reading tutor for the literacy council; Valerie was a former chairperson for the Rockford Air Fest and served the Boone County District Two FPD Auxiliary where she helped make donuts during the Boone County fair.  Valerie had an adventurous spirit who enjoyed camping, motorcycle trips to Sturgis, and therapeutic equestrian riding.  In her quiet time, she enjoyed craft work and was a devoted animal lover.

Valerie is loved and will be missed by her son, Joel (Cindy) Hallstrom of Rockford; grandchildren, Maya and Ella; her mother Vorita Olson of Rockford; special cousin, Jan Willcox of Rockford.  Valerie is preceded in death by her husband, John, father, Bud and step-father Elwyn "Ole" Olson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April24, 2014 in Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services at Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Chapel, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL with Pastor David Mumm, chaplain of North Park Fire Protection District  officiating.  Private burial will be held at Belvidere Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorials in Valerie's name can be directed to the Shrine Hospitals for Children.