Edward Andrew Vahala

Edward Andrew Vahala, 78, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away September 6, 2008 at Our Lady of Peace Hospital, South Bend.


He was born February 20, 1930 in Byesville, OH to John and Mary (Franko) Vahala. He married Ann "Albena" Mailot on April 18, 1953 in Byesville. She survives with 2 daughters, Dr. Mary Beth Vahala of LaCrosse, WI and Ann (Kevin Costello) Vahala of Warrenville, IL; 3 sons, Michael Vahala of Brooklyn, NY, Mark Vahala and Matthew (Susan) Vahala both of Dallas, TX; 3 grandchildren, Justin, Jamie and Joshua Vahala of Dallas, TX; 2 sisters, Mary Pilck of Walhonding, OH and Helen Grywalski of Canton, OH; 1 step-brother, Andrew Fotta of California; 6 step-sisters, Betty (James) George of Cambridge, OH; Helen (Charles) Dollison of Ventura, CA; Mary Goffos of Columbus, OH; Irene Troxel of Cleveland, OH; Margaret Fotta of Byesville, OH and Josephine of Virginia Beach, VA. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, John, George, and Milan Vahala; 2 sisters, Pauline Goffos and Amelia Margaret Holod; 1 step-brother, John Fotta; 2 step-sisters, Kathryn Motil and Ann Polasky and his step-mother, Anna Fotta Vahala.


Mr. Vahala graduated from Byesville (OH) H.S. in 1947 and Ohio State University in 1957. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant. He retired in 1989 as founder and president of Vahala and Company in Wakarusa, IN. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church; he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elkhart; lifetime member of the Elk's Lodge # 425 Elkhart; the Sorin Society of Notre Dame, and was an avid Notre Dame sports fan.


Friends may call from 4-8 pm Tuesday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd. Elkhart, where a vigil service will be at 7:30 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Friends may also call a half hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM Wednesday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1405 N. Main Street, Elkhart. Reverend Bill Sullivan will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.


Memorials may be given to St. Thomas the Apostle Church Building Fund or St. Thomas Scholarship Fund.