David Henry Vallar

He was born November 22, 1944, in Iron River, Michigan, a son of Albert & Mary Elizabeth Vallar. His family moved to Marquette as a youngster. David attended St. Michael’s Catholic School. He graduated from Bishop Baraga High School in 1963, earned a Bachelor’s degree from NMU in 1970 and attended Michigan State University’s School of Insurance for property and casualty insurance licensing.

David joined his father, Albert Vallar at Peter White & Co, later purchasing the agency when his father retired.

David was the ninth largest life insurance producer in the country in 1999 for the Catholic Order of Foresters. The order was established in 1883 and headquartered in Naperville, IL ranks among the top fraternal life insurance organizations in the United States. David joined the Elder Agency and retired from there after 39 years in the business.

He was a 14 year member of the Michigan Army National Guard, serving as a medic and earning a rank of Spec 5. Before receiving an honorable discharge, he was a member of the Governor’s Twenty Rifle Team, attending many matches.

David was a member of St. Peter Cathedral Parish. He sang in the choir for the 10 am Mass, ushered at the 4 pm Mass on Saturday’s and was a daily server at the 8 am mass. He also worked at the Community Meal at St. Peter Cathedral for years and decorated the church for the holidays. David also worked the K of C Breakfast, cooking and serving.

His interests included fly fishing, daily walks along the bike path in the summer and the Berry Events Center in the winter and target shooting at the Negaunee Rod & Gun Club, where he was a member for many years.

David was a member of Marquette K of C Council 689 serving as Past Grand Knight, achieving Star Council. He chaired the annual Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Sale for many years and made hundreds of calls for volunteers. After retirement, David worked at Super One as a bagger and enjoyed chatting with the customers, telling silly jokes and stores, which they loved.

David met his future wife, Ada at the Red Owl store stocking shelves and chatted with her and knew she was the one. David and Ada were married September 30, 1972, at St. Peter Cathedral and were married for 53.5 years.

David is survived by his loving wife, Ada; daughter, Bethany, both of Marquette; sisters-in-law, Shirley Pum of Marquette, Saima (Sam) Tiegen of Moorhead, MN, Jackie (Neri) Weighter of Bellingham, WA and Sadie (Gary) Arness of Benton, KY; brother, Gerard “Gerry” Vallar of Negaunee; sister, Martha “Marty” of Myrtle Beach, SC; and several nieces & nephews. He also leaves behind his grand-puppies, Parker & Paisley, who sat with grandpa in his chair, one on either side daily. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William “Bill” Vallar; and father & mother-in-law, Charles and Mary E. Pum.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, 2026 at St. Peter Cathedral at 10:30 am with Rev. Brandon Oman officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Mass in the gathering space at church. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to UPAWS or Trillium House.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com