Arnold Laurence LAVALLEY

LAVALLEY, Arnold "Blackie" Laurence -- Of Marshall -- Died on Friday, May 13, 2005, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. Mr. LaValley was born on July 8, 1923 in Superior, Wisconsin to Charles and Eleanore (Sharon) LaValley. He graduated from Superior East End High School in 1949. On April 18, 1955 he married Ardelle Langaas in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. She preceded him in death on June 4, 1998. Mr. LaValley served his country in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945 in Europe during World War II. Mr. LaValley worked as an Electrical Mechanic for the former Lake Head Pipe Line for 32 years until retiring in 1985. He was a long time member of the American Legion and the VFW. He was also a member of the Marshall Moose Lodge #676, and of the Elk's. Mr. LaValley earned his pilot's licence when he was younger and enjoyed flying. He enjoyed traveling and going for walks with his wife. Mr. LaValley enjoyed golfing and bowling. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching them on T.V. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Mr. LaValley is survived by four daughters; Gail (Gordon) LaValley-Black of Texas, Char LaValley, and Lenette Henson both of Marshall, and Lisa (Elmo) Nelson of Washington, two sons; Gary (Marcy) LaValley of Wisconsin, and William (Deb) LaValley of Kalamazoo, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters and a brother. He was preceded in death by four brothers and a sister. Friends may call at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Monday from 9:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. where the family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. A prayer service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday with Father Stephen Naas officiating. A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. A private interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Moose Heart-Children of the Moose, or to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Assistance with memorial contributions is available at the Kempf Funeral Home. Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 5/15/2005.