Obituary for Francis "John" C. Vallier

John was born Francis Clarence on May 7, 1937, to Edmund and Clara (Proton) Vallier in Engadine in the Upper Peninsula. The name John came to him during his school years and stayed throughout his life.

John married his sweetheart, Eleanor (Soligny), at St. Francis de Sales Church in Manistique on July 18, 1959. They enjoyed 50 years of marriage until her passing in 2009. In addition to Eleanor and his parents, John is reunited with his siblings: Edmund (Norma), Bernard (Edna), Lawrence (Betty), Maryellen (Joe) Sadovich, Rita (Bill) McAllister, J. Wayne (Peggy), Vince (Rose), Shirley (Sam) Frontino, Janice (Ron) Penton, and Ken along with brother-in-law Robert O’Neil.  

He is survived by his family: Rev. John, Robert & Karen (Adam, Dyllan, & Matthew), Richard & Amy, Glenn & Tammy (Brittni, Nolan, & Haylee), Renee & Mike (Rachael) Haneghan, William & Connie (Kelly, Beth, & Richelle), and Christopher & Jenny (Cade, Charlie, Molly, Mason, & Carter). John is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren and sisters-in-law, Elaine O’Neil and Nancy Vallier, along with extended family and friends.

John graduated from Engadine High School, Class of 1955. He worked as an electrical lineman and moved to Portland in 1963 to join Tri-County Electric Cooperative until his retirement after 36 years. He was a member and local officer of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

John lived his faith and prayed the rosary often. He was active in St. Patrick Church and school. John was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, weekday Mass altar server, and member of the parish council. John served on the Athletic Association and as an assistant coach to the Varsity Baseball team. He will be fondly remembered from his spot behind the scorer’s table as he kept book for both girls and boys basketball. John was also active in the Portland Little League program. John loved watching sports of most any kind.

He was a member and held several leadership positions with the Knights of Columbus Portland Council 2168 and the Fourth Degree Assembly 1509.

John always answered yes when someone needed help and could be counted on to make a few calls to get something done. Please consider donating to the Al and Karla Schrauben Athletic Foundation via St. Patrick School, 122 West St., Portland or electronically at portandstpats.com/church/donate in memory of John.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by his son, Rev. John Vallier at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland. Rite of Committal will be at Fairview Cemetery, in Manistique, in the Upper Peninsula. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland. The rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.