Michael was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from Mehlville High School. He attended St. Louis University where he earned his degree in accounting and law degree. Michael worked as an accountant at Price Waterhouse until he became a prosecuting attorney for Jefferson County. He later became the city attorney for the City of St. Charles from 2003 until he retired in 2021.
Mike loved traveling with his wife and always made special arrangements to include his beloved dogs on the trips! He loved spending time at the farm hunting, manning the smoker, and hanging out with his friends. He loved watching sports-especially the Cardinals, Chiefs, NASCAR and IndyCar races.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Janet Valenti. He is the loving husband and best friend to Christa (Franke), amazing and supportive stepfather to Chase and Hannah Warner, uncle to Elena, Alex and Joseph Gresick, loving brother to Cathy Gresick (Bob) and Mary Kochelek.
Mike’s optimism, positive outlook on life, sense of humor and kindness made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He touched the lives of so many people and will be missed greatly by his family and friends.
Visitation is at Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road Affton, Missouri 63123) on Friday, November 7 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, November 8 at 9:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park. The family would like to invite all of his friends to the International Tap House in Soulard (I-Tap) on Saturday, November 8 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. to raise a mug, share stories and celebrate Mike at the place he loved to go to watch his teams play on TV.
I’ve known my cousin Mike since he was born, and his obituary is so eloquent in describing my memories of Mike. In many ways he reminds me of his father, my Uncle Jerry, who also had a dry sense of humor. Also, as both a CPA and attorney, I’ll bet he provided his family and friends free legal and tax advice when asked. He lived his life well and left us all too soon.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear cousin. I was a youngster when he was born, so I was able to watch him as he grew.
Whenever I see him he brings back wonderful memories of his father, my Uncle Jerry.
Anyone who ever met him would tell you he had the most inviting and calming personality.
We have lost a truly wonderful person. The world was a better place with Michael in it.
Christa and family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I had the pleasure of working with Mike for 12 years as a St, Charles City Councilman. Not only was Mike an outstanding city attorney, he also provided much support and great advice to me as a new councilman. Mike always provided appropriate legal advice but also had great common sense. It was my pleasure to have know him and he also became a friend over time. I will greatly miss the opportunity to get to sit down and talk to Mike. I am sure he will be missed by many people.
Christa, my condolences to you and your family. Mike and I had a unique friendship that I will cherish forever. He was a great lawyer, speaker of history, colleague, and friend. Good-bye Mike I am hoping this journey provides you with the love and laughter you deserve.
RIP
I was saddened to hear today about Mike’s passing. I worked with him on many projects while he was City Attorney. Mike was wonderful to work with and had great insights.
I will miss him.
Christa -I am absolutely heartbroken to learn of Mike’s passing. Mike was a great friend and mentor to me as we worked side by side at the City Attorney’s Office for so many years. Mike showed such grace and kindness to me and made managing my young family and a legal career possible. I would not be where I am today professionally if it wasn’t for the time I spent working side by side with Mike. My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Christa, I worked for Mike as his Administrative Assistant for seventeen years. He was a very kind and understanding person to work for. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
My deepest condolences to your family. I will always remember Mike’s wit and dry sense of humor. He was always a true professional and gentleman. Mike was a calming influence that was often needed to get us through whatever “crisis of the moment” had occurred. I learned a lot from Mike and will cherish those memories.
My sincere condolences to the Valenti family. I met Mike in high school and he has been a dear friend to both me and my son through the years. Mike had a heart of gold and our world was a better place with him in it. You will be missed.
May you rest in eternal peace.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Mike’s passing. I worked with him at the City of St. Charles and it was both an honor and a privilege. Mike was an exceptional professional— knowledgeable and always committed to doing what was best for the community.
I will always remember Mike for his kindness, sense of humor, and the genuine respect he showed to everyone he worked with.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Mike will be greatly missed, and his impact on all of us who knew him—will not be forgotten.
I had the pleasure of working with Mike for over 16 years on the city council. He was the best and did a great job in keeping us under control. He always was the same day in & day out. Mike retired from the council leaving a big hole in our lives.
Michael grew up with and was a Great friend of my brother Richard who we lost tragically this year. Michael was there always no matter what for our brother. Michael will be Greatly Missed as a Very Wonderful Person!
Michael may you and Rick frolic in fun in the after life!
Love ❤️
Like many I met Mike during the five years I worked for the City of St. Charles. His generosity and guidance never stopped flowing and he was always spot on. His boyish smile and professional demeanor always set the the bar above most others. I can never repay his words of wisdom and gentle manner of delivering his always correct but sometimes disappointing legal decisions. He kept my actions grounded and remained a trusted advisor. I am saddened for his family’s loss and the void that will never be filled.
David Rosenwasser
Condolences – Great & respected attorney!
A very, very good lawyer and an even better guy, I had the pleasure to work with him at St. Charles city for several years. Mike, you will be greatly missed!
I remember hiring Mike in St. Charles as I was Mayor when we brought him on. He was so impressive with his experience, knowledge and wonderful humor. He was easy to work with and always kept his calm. – a stellar man who worked tirelessly to make things good for those around him. He leaves a legacy of care and concern. Rest well, my friend.
Very sorry to hear about Mike. He was a consummate professional. I knew him from his time in Jefferson County; and I was so glad he got out of there and landed in St. Charles. When I would run into him at conferences after leaving Jeffco, he seemed a happier man.
I’m a retired Circuit judge from Jefferson County and only knew Mike as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Hillsboro. Mike was one of the very best Prosecutors I had the pleasure of working with in my time on the bench. He was always well prepared and always totally professional. My staff and I missed him when he moved on.