Dennis Valstad’s funeral bequest set aside $500,000 to be divided equally among people who attended his 2019 funeral in Wisconsin. The provision was contained in a will he drafted in 2017, and attendees did not know about it when they gathered to mourn him.
Key Takeaways
- Valstad’s will called for attendance to be verified through the visitation book or other reliable documentation.
- The attorney handling the estate and her team identified 267 attendees and sent letters two months later.
How the funeral bequest worked
Valstad died on July 13, 2019, at age 69 after suffering a stroke. His funeral took place about a week later.
His will specified that the $500,000 should be divided equally among attendees. It said attendance could be established by names in the visitation book or another form of reliable documentation.
Julie Maslowski, an attorney handling the estate, worked with her team to identify attendees using a spreadsheet. Her Oshkosh firm, Young & Maslowski, sent letters to mourners two months later.
Valstad’s life in Ripon
Valstad was a lifelong bachelor who operated the Vogue Dry Cleaning shop in Ripon for almost two decades and held several other jobs. He also served in the Army for two years, leaving in 1975.
Members of his community recalled that he led a men’s Bible study group, helped with Kiwanis fundraising and washed dishes at church events.
Read More News
Disclaimer
This FinanceVelix article provides general information, not personalized financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Market prices, interest rates and economic conditions can change; investments carry a risk of loss. Facts reflect the material available when published and may change. Check important information independently and consult a qualified professional when needed. Mentioning an asset, company, or service is not an endorsement.
Comments
Be respectful. No spam, impersonation or private credentials. Ordinary posts and comments appear immediately; suspicious links are held for review.
Please wait…