June Valentino

June Ellen Valentino, age 102, of Palm Springs, California, passed away peacefully at her home on January 15, 2026, surrounded by love.

June was born on June 28, 1923, in Lyndon Station, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Marie (Krivitz) Cauley.  At the age of 8 years old June tragically lost her mother and was faced with the task of helping her father take care of her siblings, run the household and do chores on the farm.  She often spoke of how much she loved school and was even able to skip a grade.  Needless to say, June was disappointed when she had to take time off from school to tend to things at home like baking bread.  Those early years growing up on the family farm in Kildare County, Wisconsin were hard and she quickly learned the values of hard work and resilience that would guide her throughout her life.  These qualities, combined with her tremendous kindness and incredible strength molded her into the most amazing woman and mother anyone could ever wish for.  She made up for all the time she lost with her own mother and in turn selflessly poured that love into her own children.

Later, June moved to Milwaukee with her father and two brothers.  During World War II, June worked at Milwaukee Stamping and Kearney & Trecker, joining countless women of her generation who supported the war effort through factory work.  It was during this time that she met Marcey Gocel, who became her lifelong friend and godmother to June's daughter, Debi.  June loved bowling and played on company bowling leagues and softball teams, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.  June was one of the original "Rosie the Riveters".

In 1949, June married Albert J. Valentino.  Together they built a home in Brookfield, Wisconsin, where June devoted herself to raising their four children with love, warmth and unwavering dedication.  In the 1960's, with her children in tow, she worked alongside Albert running their family business, Valentino's Camping Center Inc in West Allis, Wisconsin until their retirement in 2000.

In 2001 June and Albert moved to Palm Springs, California where their son, Dan, and daughter, Debi lived.  Upon Albert's passing, June made her home with Debi, where she remained until her death.  Those final 20+ years were among some of the happiest of Junes life.  She travelled the world with Dan and Debi, embracing adventure with enthusiasm and joy.  June especially loved cruising and was always ready for the next journey.  A devoted fan of country music, she also traveled twice with Debi to Nashville, Tennessee to satisfy a lifelong dream to visit the Grand Ole Opry.  When not traveling, June generously gave her time volunteering with Angel View and the Palm Springs Air Museum.  For many years she enjoyed spending the summer months in Wisconsin with her sons, Rudy and John, her sisters, Mary Jean and Margaret and visiting with family and friends.

June is survived by her children, John A. Valentino of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dan Valentino and Debi Valentino of Palm Springs, California; her sister, Margaret (Cauley) Cannestra; her granddaughter, Maggie (Valentino) Roska; and great granddaughter, Aidyn Roska.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Kenneth and Joseph Cauley; her sister, Mary Jean Cauley; her husband, Albert J. Valentino; and her son, Rudy Valentino.

June was an extraordinary woman, a devoted mother and cherished friend.  She had a beautiful soul and she touched countless lives with her warmth, generosity and spirit.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.