Martin J. Vala
Martin J. Vala, 89, of Riverton, IL died at 6:38 am Monday, April 8, 2013 at St. John’s Hospital. He was born September 4, 1923 in Riverton to Frank and Albina Prehoda Vala. He married Ella M. Kreevich April 10, 1943 and she preceded him in death on October 21, 2009. Also preceding him in death were three brothers, Frank, Wesley and John Vala and one sister, Mary Rose Cooper.
Surviving are a son, Dennis (Kathy) Vala of Chatham, IL; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Steve) Keegan of Bollingbrook, IL Jason (Courtney) Vala of Carol Stream, IL and Alissa (Ben) Fuhrmann of Troy, IL; three great grandsons, Zackary, Lucas and Christopher; three sisters, Albina Busek of Woodstock, GA, Helen (Boniface) Mayer of Naperville and Theresa Dickerson of North Fort Meyers, FL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Vala was a United States Navy Veteran serving in World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the U.S.S. LSM-LSMR Association, U.S.S. LCI National Association, U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard Association, United States Navy Memorial Foundation and VFW Post #10302. He was a member of St. James Church in Riverton, POLK of A, Knights of Columbus and Coca Lovers of America. He retired from Pillsbury Mills as an Electrical and Maintenance Foreman after 45 years. Martin was very involved as a veteran. He welcomed every honor flight for several years at Capitol Airport. He also was quite involved in the Spaulding Veterans Memorial.
Visitation: 4 – 7 Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Staab Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4pm.
Funeral Service: 10:00 am Friday, April 12, 2013 at Staab Funeral Home with Monsignor David Lantz officiating.
Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, where Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail will conduct military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Church, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight or POLK of A.
Norma Jean Reeves posted on 5/10/13
Martin and Ella were my parents best friends. They were together over 40 years. Not a day goes by that there is some mention of them. My parents are having a difficult time without them, although we know they are together and that is what they wanted. God Bless them and the Vala Family. They are sadly missed.