Jeffrey “Jeff” Differding, 67, Valley City, ND died Monday, August 7, 2023, surrounded by his
loving family in his home. Visitation will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church on Thursday,
August 10 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The Rosary will be prayed beginning at 7:00 with a
prayer service to follow. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Friday, August 11. He
will be laid to rest in St. Catherine’s Cemetery of Valley City.
Jeffrey George Differding was born June 9, 1956, to loving parents, Francis and Helen (Mikesh)
Differding. He graduated from Valley City High School in 1974. On June 28, 1974, he married
the love of his life, Shelly Klein. Together, they raised four children and continued to watch
their family grow over the years.
He had a long career with Valley City Public Works, where he enjoyed working with his co-
workers and getting to know many great citizens of Valley City. He was a loyal member of St.
Catherine’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Eagles, and Barnes County Wildlife
Federation.
Jeff had a deep love for the Lord and his faith guided his life. You would often hear him say one
of his greatest blessings was his family who he found joy in loving, serving, and protecting. He
had a love and gentleness for children. Jeff was often snuggling a baby, reading books to
toddlers, and teaching his passions of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He enjoyed family
gatherings, card playing, camping, boating, fishing, hunting, campfires, and cooking treats.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Shelly; children, Stacey (Destin) Coles, Joshua (Danielle) Differding,
Shauna (Douglas) Lonski, and Jamie (Courtney) Differding; grandchildren, Alexis, Drew, Evan,
Abigail, and Jacob Coles, Kendra, Brynley, Bryar, and Kade Differding, Paxton, Gianna, Hannah,
and Fulton Lonski, and Knox and Austyn Differding; his mother, Helen; brothers, Darrel (Tony),
Wayne (Deb), and Larry (Sandi); sister, Julie Storhoff. He also leaves more extended family
including his mother-in-law, Dorothy Klein Ost; brothers-in-law, Mark (Carol) Klein, Neal (Vicki)
Klein, and Dean (Brenda) Klein; sisters-in-law, Susan (Ken) Didier and Kathy (Kevin) Hudson; and
many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Francis; sister, Darcy McGough; brothers-in-law,
Edward McGough and David Klein; sister-in-law, Patricia Differding and her unborn baby; niece,
Sarah Differding; and father-in-law, Donald Klein.
The services will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with his obituary on
his tribute page at www.lerudmathias.com. An online guestbook is available there as well. The
Lerud Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City is assisting Jeff’s family with arrangements.
Jeffrey “Jeff” Differding, 67, Valley City, ND died Monday, August 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family while under the care of CHI Home Health and Hospice at his home. Visitation will be held in St. Catherine’s Catholic Church on Thursday, August 10 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The Rosary will be prayed beginning at 7:00 with a prayer service to follow. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Friday, August 11. He will be laid to rest in St. Catherine’s Cemetery just outside of Valley City. An online guestbook and tribute page can be found at www.lerudmathias.com
The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City is assisting Jeff’s family with arrangements.