"My wonderful brother-in-law will be fondly remembered always and deeply missed by his Wannabeayooper sister-in-law Joan. Inspiration will be drawn by many from your beautiful example of how to live and love. You bravely fought to be with us for a little while longer. We have too few precious memories of times spent with you and your family. Know you are in our hearts forever. I LOVE YOU! Joan"
In loving memory of
William J. LaVallie
January 16, 1939 - July 2, 2001
William LaVallie, 62, of 145 Lakewood Lane, Harvey, died peacefully at home Monday morning, July 2, 2001 with his family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. LaVallie was born on January 16, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1956, he graduated from Holy Name High School in Escanaba and from Northland College of Ashland, Wisconsin in 1960 with a degree in business. On September 17, 1960, he married the former Carol J. Lancour at St. Annes Catholic Church in Escanaba.
In 1968, Bill, Carol and their children moved to Marquette and opened up the Burger Chef restaurant along with his partner and brother-in-law, Harry Krebs. Together they formed K & L Enterprises, Inc. of which Bill served as president. As the business began to grow they opened eight more restaurants across the Upper Peninsula, bringing in Bills brother, Terry, as a third partner. In 1983, the Hardee Corporation purchased the name of Burger Chef.
In 1985, the corporation opened up the first Subway restaurant in the U.P. They expanded that chain as well, adding their 13th Subway restaurant by 1998. K & L Enterprises at one time employed 500 people.
In 1990, K & L Enterprises received the Business of the Year Award from the Marquette Ambassadors. Bill and his partners always believed in giving back to the community especially when it involved children.
Bill was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette, the Marquette Noon Kiwanis Club, the Kiwanis High School Key Club and the Marquette Golf & Country Club. He previously served on the board of Directors of the First of America Bank, the Shiras Institute Board, Bay Cliff Health Camp board and finance committee and was also an active participant in the Jesus Video Project, the Catholic Keryx Retreat at Marquette Branch Prison as well as numerous other community activities.
Bill was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son and devoted friend and will be greatly missed by his wife, Carol; three children, Lisa (Brian) Cook of Glencoe, IL, Dean (Alisa Lane) LaVallie of Marquette and Ann (Christian) Reitter of Highlands Ranch, CO; two grandchildren, Ethan LaVallie and Wilson Cook; his mother, Evelyn LaVallie of Escanaba; two sisters, Sandy (Harry) Krebs and Bonnie Jacques, both of Escanaba; two brothers, Terry (Jeanine) LaVallie of Iron Mountain and Dan (Ginny) LaVallie of Roselle, IL; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William J. LaVallie, Sr. on February 16, 1996 and a nephew, Paul Jacques.
Bill didnt have hobbies. His passion for camp and the Bolivia Project, many sports, his great sense of humor, his love for people, is what made him unique. He touched and enriched many lives in his daily encounters, radiating a sense of brotherhood and happiness to everyone. He was a father figure to many.
Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. EDT at St. Michael Catholic Church where a parish prayer service will be recited at 8:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Friday beginning at 9:30 a.m. EDT until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at St. Michaels with the Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick and the Rev. Msgr. Timothy Desrochers concelebrating. Interment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
Mr. LaVallies escorts will be Chris, Dan, Brad, Chad and Ryan LaVallie, John and Mark Jacques, John Beck and Rick Holmes.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Bay Cliff Health Camp, 310 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI 49855, the Marquette Community Foundation to benefit the William and Carol LaVallie Scholarship, 205 S. Front St., Marquette, MI 49855 or the St. Michael Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 401 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.
Tributes
"THINKING OF YOU AND PRAYING THAT GOD WILL BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND KEEP ALL OF YOU IN HIS CARE."
"My warmest sympathy for the whole LaVallie family. Bill, as my American host-dad, will always have a special place in my mind and my heart. He was a very special person."
"Such a sad time for the LaVallie Family. My thoughts and prayers are with each of them during this difficult time. Mr. LaVallie was one of the nicest men I have ever known. He will be missed....."
"Dear Carol and Family, Our deepest sympathy. Bill was a very special man who will be missed by many people. We are so sorry."
"Carol, Lisa, Dean and Ann, We're sorry for your loss as it is a loss to all who knew Bill. His smile and laugh will be missed. Canoe trips will always bring a rush of memories. His caring and giving nature will survive him through his friends and family. We love you Bill and miss you dearly! The Hetricks"
"My love and sympathy to the LaVallies. I have lost a dear brother-in-law - kind, thoughtful, caring, generous, loving his family and fellowmen - I will miss him, but I am happy that he has reached our true home in eternity and waits for us to join him. Love, Wynn"
"Carol and family: Although we only met a few times I feel as though we know you well, through everything mom and dad have told us. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in your time of sorrow. We will keep the few memories we have of you and bill alive in our hearts during this time. Pat, Laurie, Cassidy, Nathan and Lainie"
"Last year in Escanabe at the LaMarche/LaVallie reunion Bill was in his glory leading the music, dancing and memory making for the 300 who enjoyed the festivities. I'm sure he will be busy tuning up the band of aunts and uncles in heaven to prepare for our future reunions there. Love, Aunt Delayne"
"We are deeply saddened by your loss. He was a great guy.I remember thinking of him working at UPS and admiring both Carol and Bill for being risk-takers. He lived a great life!!"
"From our house to yours.... Many fond memories......... My heartfelt sorrow........ May God bless his soul..... Love to you all, Ted & Page Lane"
"To all of the family and friends of William LaVallie, we extend our thoughts and prayers to a wonderful man, husband and father. For it was he who brought such love and joy to so many. He will remain in our hearts as a father who did so much and a man to follow, always. Once a hero, now an angle of God. May he look over us all and guide our lives in his ways. For Ann and Chris, our love is with you always."
"TO THE LAVALLIE FAMILY YOU'S HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. BILL WAS A GREAT MAN. I WILL ALWAYS REMEBER HIS WONDERFUL SMILE. HE SURE WILL BE MISSED."
"Dear LaVallie Family, Although we did not know Bill well, we were touched by his kindess and generousity of spirit. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Scott, Jennifer, Jacob and Brianna Pinter"
"It was a privilege to work with Bill in the Noon Kiwanis Club during my Marquette years, and a joy to greet one another many an early morning on the bike path along Lake Superior. May our risen Lord give strength and hope to all who mourn. Peter Vorhes"
"Bill touched our lives in so many ways. We'll miss him alot."
"Bill was a shining example to all of us in how to balance our lives. We express our deepest sympathy to all whose lives were touched by this wonderful man. We were fortunate to have known him."
"To The LaVallie Family, Please know that you are all in my prayers at this time of great loss. May the Lord be with you and give you all the strenght and courage you need. I have many fond memories of Bill as I worked at Burger Chef for 8 years and then Hardee's for 5 years. Bill was a very special person , he had so much love to give to others. He will be greatly missed."
"To the LaValle family, my deepest sympathys. I am so sorry I can not come at this time. To sick to travel."
"I am so sorry to hear and wish I could be there for you. I am taking care of Della at this time. I am praying for all of you especially Carol in her loss. He will be missed by you forever,as I know about that. He will be by your side as he was in life. Patsy"
"Our prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. I cannot go to the funeral because, I just had back surgery. Linda"
"We both want to extend to you all our deepest sympathy. Harold went to school with Bill and has fond memories of him. God Bless and keep you all in His Care."
"Carol, I am sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Karen"
"Bill was a most remarkable man. He cared so much for people that he had to deliver a negative to a neighbor on a blistery, February night before leaving for Florida. Our sincere sympathy to the entire LaVallie family. Bill will be missed as a neighbor and a friend. Love and Peace from the Grenkes"
"My heart goes out to your entire family. I worked for Bill at Subway for many years and I grew to know him as a very caring man who was exceptionally easy to talk to. I will miss him and keep him in my fondest memories."
"Bill's light will shine in this community for years to come. He was admired and respected by both of us"
"I didn't know Bill personally, however I knew he was a kind man, and special son to Evelyn. He would come to visit his Mom often, at West Highland and play cards with her...How she'll miss those special times...I will miss seeing him also, he reminded me so much of his father, Bill."
"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. I've known him since grade school and thought he was the greatest. May God be with all of you in this time of sorrow. He will be missed by many I am sure."
"Our deepest sympathy. I will always remember Bill for the experience and the opportunities that he gave me with K&L. Our prayers are with all family members that will be missing him."
"Dear Carol, We are so sorry and shocked to hear that your husband has passed away. We have known him not so long, but he was such a likeable person. From here we express our deepest sympathy to you and your family and we wish you strength and comfort in this very difficult time. Elsa and Harry Langeveld"
"DEAR FAMILY, WE ALL WERE BLESSED TO HAVE KNOW BILL , HE WAS A ROLE MODEL FOR HOW ALL OF US SHOULD LIVE OUR LIVES. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. REGARDS, DENNIS VANLANDSCHOOT"
"Carol and family, You have my deepest sympathy and are in my thoughts and prayers. Both you and Bill will be missed at the Holy Name Class of 1956 reunion. Love and prayers, Marlene"
"Dear Carol and Family: I was so sorry and shocked to hear the news about Bill. Please accept my prayers and sympathy. You both have made such a differance in the lives of many. S. Kathleen Mlinar, with whom I live, also sends her prayers for you and your family. May you experience God's healing touch and presence through the support and love of your family and friends. Blessings. Carol Jean"
"To the LaVallie family, I wish to express my deepest of condolences. I know Bill as a father figure who made everyone feel welcome and at ease with just a few simple words and a pat on the shoulders while asking how things are going. My first encounter with Bill and Dean was at cub scouts in the 70s where Bill was a father figure to many. Bill was the guy wearing plaid pants and tending the popcorn at the festivals for all the kids. Whether is was scouts, coaching youth hockey, or volunteer to work the kiddies mutt races during the UP200, Bill was always involved in the community and promoting family. Love and peace Bill I will miss you. I will always remember what I learned from you."
"Bill was always doing something for someone else, and with a smile on his face. That is how we will remember him. Our sympathies to your family."
"Our deepest sympathy to you Carol and your family. We will keep you in our prayers."
"I'm so sorry to learn that Bill has passed. He will be missed by all. You and your family will be in my thoughts. My condolences."
"LaVallie Family, We are sorry to hear of the pasing of Bill. Although we didn't not see him often, whenever we did, he was able to make us (and everyone he knew) feel welcome, liked, and understood. He was a kind soul with a large heart and will be dearly missed in a world that needs more men like him. Take Care, God Bless. The Smiths"
"Dear Carol and Family, Please accept our sincere condolences on your husband's and father's passing. Even though we had only a few opportunities to meet with all of you, we have many fond memories of Bill, especially the wedding preparations and the big weekend of the perfect wedding. We only regret that we were unable to get to know him even better. We will never forget this fine and decent man. Joe and Johanna"
"Carol and Family. Our condolences to the LaVallies. We will always remember and picture Bill alive in our minds when he,Carol,Ann and Chris visited Cathy and I in Steamboat Springs CO. last August. To me whenever I talked to Bill he was one of those individuals who was always upbeat. He seemed happy on the hike we all took to the waterfalls. He kept himself busy snapping individual and group pictures of the family and the waterfalls. You are deeply missed Bill! We were truly blessed to have you in our midst. We love you! May you be at peace in God's Heavenly Kingdom. We will feel your presence with Carol and your children."
"Dear Carol and Family: You have my deepest sympathy. I have many fond memories of babysitting at your house. I will always remember Bill for the kind man he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sue, Jon, Katie and Amanda Maninga"
"Carol, I was very sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Mr LaVallie for his wonderful, dry sense of humor. My years at Burger Chef hold many of my fondest memories. Thanks for giving to me and the community. Sincerely, Debbie"
"To Carol and the LaVallie family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Bill is one of the finest people I've had the privilege of knowing. I believe he'll continue to be in your lives, although in a different way and that he'll continue to live in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you."
"Our prayers are with you and your family. I worked for Bill at Burger Chef many years ago and have some great memories of Bill and his wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed."
"My condolences to the LaVallie family. I was one of five sibilings that worked for Bill at Burger Chef. He was a good man."
"Bill reflected his parents' beautiful personalities and generous concerns for all persons in his life. He is a fine example of thosevalues which we all learned at Holy Name High School. May God console you in your loss."
"Welcome is the word which keeps coming to mind as I think of Bill. He cared for and welcomed each of us. W...e will miss you E...ver faithful L...oved family and friends C...ared for creation O...ne of great spirit M...ade the most of each day E...very meeting with you a blessing"
"To the Lavallie family, Working and having contact with Mr L for the six years I was his employee have forever shaped me. I truly believe that the people who were able to have Mr L as a role model have been blessed in this world. May God Bless You."
"Dear LaVallie Family, Bill and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to each of you. There are no words that can take away the aching pain of losing a loved one. But, please know that our love and prayers are with all of you. May God bless and keep you in His loving care. Connie Hardwick"
"Dear Carol & Family: I work with Chuck Carlson and had the pleasure of meeting you and Bill last summer when we visited Marquette. Our deepest sympathy to you and the family on Bill's death. From the Carlsons we have learned what a wonderful person Bill was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your deep faith and your wonderful family and friends sustain you in this time of loss. God Bless, Margaret, Peter & Colleen Wilcox"
"Our deepest sympathy on the loss of a great person and business associate."
"To Carol and family , I know you will miss Bill, time will have its virtures.I will remember Bill, as a friend in deed. Philip M Schaut"
"Dear Mrs. LaVallie, Lisa, Dean and Ann: My deepest sympathies goes out to your entire family. Mr. LaVallie was a great man. Growing up, he was so positive towards myself, my brother, and the rest of the kids in the neigborhood. I always enjoyed being around him. He was someone to admire and will be missed by all who knew him. Your friend, Pete Anderson"
"BILL WAS GREAT TO WORK FOR AT THE OLD BURGER CHEF. I HAD A GREAT TIME WORKING THERE, AND HE AND CAROL WERE GOOD IN SHOWING HOW MUCH WE WERE APPRECIATED. I HAVE MET MANY FRIENDS THERE WHO ARE LIFELONG FRIENDS THAT I REGULARLY KEEP IN TOUCH WITH. MY CONDOLENCES GO TO THE FAMILY, AS BILL WILL BE MISSED."
"Although our paths crossed in many ways,such as the Marquette Investment Club, Sunday night mixed bowling and section 4 at Lakeview Arena, my fondest memories of Bill are of the fifteen or so years as my partner in the men's golf league. I'll always picture Bill coming up to the first tee from the driving range,exchanging greetings with everyone in the vicinity. His personality was just so positive. We shared the frustrations and enjoyment of the silly game and the banter with each weeks opponents. Thank you for sharing him with all who were fortunate to have known him. We certainly miss him and extend our prayers to you and the entire family."
"Bill, we thank you for all that you did for the prisioners at the Marquette Branch prison. You came with many doubts and some fears and you left, I believe, knowing the Lord in a new and special way. Prisoners know very soon if a person is true and sincere. They all loved you, Bill, for what you were and they knew how much you loved them. Thanks Bill."
"He was an inspiration to us all."
"Carol, we have just found out via newspaper about Bill. We offer our heartfelt sympathies, thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Jack saw him last at the Wildmans Retreat in December, and my last memory of the both of you is at the last Class Reunion. We will keep you in our prayers. Jack and Marie"
"Know that you will always be included in my prayers. Keep living the memories, and keep on sharing your love. Love, Mary Anne"
"Rod & I want to express our sympathy to all the family and want you to know you will all be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless."
"My sympathy goes out to the entire LaVallie family. I won't ever forget playing with our bb-guns, and catching walleys in the bay, and many other wonderful times that we shared. Sorry that I couldn't make it to the funeral. Jim and Judy LaMarche"
"Carol, Lisa, Dean and Ann Know that you will be forever in our thoughts and prayers. We have many fond memories, and have shared many triumphs and tragedies. This too will pass sayest the Lord. God keep you all forever in his care."
"Dear LaVallie Family, My prayers & sympathy go out to you. Bill was so nice to me & my baby. I remember him fondly. love, Mickey Sullivan"
"Dear Dean and the entire LaVallie family, We were deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. With our deepest sympathy, Mike and Carol York"
"Dear Carol and family, My deepest sympathy. my thoughts and prayers are with you. Now Bill can be at peace with our heavenly father. Just seems strange that our family lost Leonard in May. He was also 62. Now they can be in heaven with their Dads."
"Bill was a great friend to Easter Seals; his dedication to helping people with disabilities through generous support is truly appreciated."
"Ann, Mrs. LaVallie, Lisa and Dean: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your dad will be remembered as a kind and friendly person...always greeting people with a smile and kind word. His professional and volunteer efforts helped make Marquette, a great place to call "home"."
"Carol, Dean, Lisa, & Ann Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May the Lord give you strength at this difficult time. Bill was a man that touched the lives of everyone around him. He inspired me both personally and professionally over the years that I worked for him at K & L. He will be missed tremendously but is always just a thought away. My thoughts and prayers are with the LaVallie family. Dianne Homberger"
"My sympathy to the family. Bill and Carol were Holy Name classmates. I found out about his death today after a telephone call regarding our class reunion. My sympathy also to Sandy and her mother as they are a special part of my life. Love, Jan"
"We were so sorry to hear about Bill's death. We are downstate working. Our prayers and deepest sympathy is sent out to all of your families. Peace be with you. Barry, Lori and Katie Jo Hardwick"
"Thousands of words have been and will continue to be expressed about our close friend of long standing, and the friend of thousands of others from all walks of life. But little more meaningful than to say...he was...he is...he will continue to be...Bill LaVallie"
"Are prayers are with you all. May God comfort you with his love and grace. We know Bill has touched and bless many lives while here on this earth. May God be with you all. Love your Indiana cousins, Ronnie, Ricky, and Tony LaVallie"
"May God's love and peace and my sympathy shower over you all."
"Very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts are with Carol and family at this time."
"Dear Carol and family, We never had the opportunity to meet you and Bill but feel like we have known you forever. Harry and Sandy are our dear friends and have always kept us informed of your activities. Your family has been in our prayers, especially these past few months and will continue to be as you adjust to a new life without Bill. I can just see the party in heaven today as he, Grandpa and Paul catch up on the news! Please know you have our sympathy and prayers. Sincerely, Greg, Barbara and family"
"To grow into adulthood with fond memories of those who shaped one's life as a child is truly a gift. I am blessed to have known the kindness and goodness of the man I will always remember as Mr. LaVallie"
"May all the good memories that you have shared through the years together be a comfort & help you endure your loss at this time. We have lost a great person, who gave so much to the community and everyone. He surely will be missed by all who knew him. With sincere & deepest sympathy, Bob & Darlene Sibilsky"
"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. My thoughts are with all of you at this time. It seems that life is so short on earth and we are never really prepared for our loved ones to part our company, even when it will only be to proceed us to heaven. It was less than one year ago that Bill was so busy with the LaMarche/LaVallie Family Reunion. He so enjoyed seeing all of his family here on earth -- I can only imagine the joy that he is experiencing now as his reunion in heaven goes on. Bill will be missed by all who have known him for he has touched the lives of many. Michelle Taylor (LaVallie cousin)"
"Dear Carol, We are so sorry to hear of Bill's death. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, Jill, Joe & Jamie"
"Carol and family, My deepest sympathies. I was out of town and sorry I missed the service. Bill was a great man and is on to a better place. He touched the lives of many with his wisdom, smile and positive influence. He will be missed but not forgotten. God Bless!"
"Bill always had a wonderful smile and greeting. So glad we had the opportunity to get to know him through the cursillo movement."
"We are so sorry to have learned of Bill's passing. All of you were so warm and generous to us when we moved in across the street from you in 1987. We remember particularly fondly Bill's 50th Birthday at the Northwoods Club. He was so accepting. Sincerely Tom and Patty McCormick"
"I learned late of Bill's death. Our sincere sympathy to the family. I paged through this guest book, and they have painted the picture of the Bill I knew. Bill was one of my first customers when I started in business. As well as a role model. God Bless you all."
"dear dean, very sorry about your dad. i remember when i worked at hardees for him and liked him very much. it probably helped that i knew you, mike and dale. just thought that you would like to know that i haven't forgot about you guys. send a hello to howard and rick holmes. wouldn't mind hearing from you guys. desiree barker 26301 e. jefferson, #211 st. clair shores, mi 48081 810.447.8023 love, des a.k.a. gern blanstien"
"Carol, I was just on the internet reviewing the Mining Journal when I read about "Uncle Bill". I can still remember his smile and laugh. He had such a big heart and was always willing to help however possible. The two of you have given me many great memories. My prayers are with you and your family. John LaCosse"
"My sympathies to the entire family. Bill's mark on my life has challenged me to become a better person not only professionally but personally as well. He always had a smile and his positive attitude towards life has benefited us all."
"Dear Carol and Family - We are very sad to hear about Bill's illness and passing. We have many wonderful memories of Bill in our many Hardee's years! He was a joy to work with and be around. We once had a new receptionist who gave a message to Eric that "Bill in the Valley had called", we laughed and laughed. From then on we called him just that! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! We'll always have a fond place in our hearts for "Bill in the Valley"! Sincerely, Eric, Gary, LoAnn, Jaci & Jeanne (aka The Gange at Van Sistine)"
"My sympathies to Bill's family. I always enjoyed the times I talked to him because he was so warm and caring."
"I only learned recently of Bill's passing, and I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to you, Carol, and your family. I will have fond memories of Bill (and you) during the early days of the Marquette Burger Chef. I have strong admiration for what you and Bill have accomplished, beginning as a young business couple... and now with Bill leaving an admirable and voluminous legacy. I think fondly of you all each time I stop at Hardees in Iron Mountain and Marquette when back in the U.P. Sincerely, Chris Hissong"