Lawrence E. "Larry" Vale

Lawrence E. “Larry” Vale, 84, of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026, surrounded by his most cherished family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Ann (nee Schuh); loving father of Paul (Susie) Vale, Michael (Kimberly) Vale, Sheri (Shane) Smith, and Carrie Vale; proud Papa of eleven grandchildren: Mathew (Chelsea) Smith, Brock (Jen) Vale, Chelsie (Syd) Gieseking, Meryc (Natalie) Janek, Makenzie (Rick) Boyd, Jacob Janek, Madisyn Smith, Luke Janek, Cade Vale, Breckin Vale, Graysen Vale; great-grandpa of fourteen; dear brother of Janice Vale; and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

Funeral services will be held at New Life Christian Church, 1829 Central Avenue, Whiting, on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.; his son, Pastor Paul Vale, officiating; visitation at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; interment, Concordia Cemetery, Hammond. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com.

Larry Vale was born on May 14, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to Harold and Dorothy (Shelton) Vale, and was a longtime resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community. A man of strong Christian faith, Larry was a devoted member of New Life Christian Church, Whiting, where he served as an Elder for more than 45 years, until the day of his passing. He loved all kinds of music, especially the oldies. He loved to sing, and sang countless solos, duets with his beautiful wife, full concerts with his family (having even recorded “The Vale Family” album), performed with “Five Alive” men’s quintet, the church choir, and was in every production of New Life Christian Church’s “The Living Christmas Tree” (2005-2023). He was a US Army Veteran, and met his then future wife, Helga Anna Schuh, in 1962 while stationed in Germany. He brought her to America in 1963, and has never left her side since, deeply committed to his vow of “till death do us part.” Larry was a retiree of the Ford Motor Company, Chicago, with a service of 34 years, and was a member of the United Auto Workers Union, #550. He was a Clark Pioneer, and an avid Chicago Bears fan, spending every Monday watching Monday Night Football with his son Paul.  He was funny, loving, kind, humble, and selfless. He didn’t know a stranger, and made sure that everyone who walked in the church doors felt welcomed. Larry will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy continues on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials to New Life Christian Church, Whiting, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

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