He was born December 20, 1941 to Raymond and Vivian Tareski at Bottineau, North Dakota. He graduated from Bottineau High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from NDSU in Fargo, North Dakota. Val then became a member of the NDSU Electrical (Computer) Engineering faculty, retiring after 43 years.

In 1966, he married Millie Harbeke at Page, North Dakota and they enjoyed over 49 years together.

Val became an amateur radio operator in high school and enjoyed that hobby for over 50 years. Val and Millie, together, assisted with many charity runs, walks and bicycle tours.

He also enjoyed being a member of the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Team volunteering many hours at emergencies and disasters both locally and regionally.

Val was the Reile’s Acres auditor for many years. He and Millie attended and volunteered at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in West Fargo.