Milan P. Vahala

Milan P. Vahala, 82, of Elkhart, passed away January 7, 2008.

He was born to John and Mary Vahala and married Helen Jane Basalla. She survives with 3 sons, David (Mary Jo) Vahala, Daniel (Tamra) Vahala, and Robert Vahala; 2 daughters, Julie (Barney) Hostetler and Jane (Michael) Wise; 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, a brother Edward (Ann) Vahala, 2 sisters, Mary Pilck and Helen Grywalski; 1 step-brother and 6 step-sisters. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Paula Jane Vahala, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 1 step-brother and 2 step-sisters.

Mr. Vahala retired as owner of Vahala and Company in Wakarusa after 22 years. He was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Church and the VFW and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

Visitation is from 4-7 p-m Thursday at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home and from 5-8 pm Friday at Black-Epperson Funeral Home in Byesville, OH. A mass of christian burial will be at 10 am Saturday at St. Michael's Byzantine Church in Pleasant City, OH. Burial will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery.

Mr. Vahala served with the U.S. Marines in WWII.