Valentine David “Val” Pierzchala died at Whidbey Island Manor, Oak Harbor on December 24, 2005 at the age of 62. Val was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 25, 1943 to Valentine Joseph and Jennie (Levandowski) Pierzchala.

Val grew up in Grand Rapids. He entered the U. S. Navy prior to graduation from high school. His Navy career took him to Alameda, San Diego, NAS Whidbey and aboard many ships. He completed four tours of duty in Vietnam. His final tour at NAS was with VAQ 132 and 129. He retired from the Navy as an AMS-1 with over 22 years of service.

Following his Navy service, he worked for the Navy Crosswinds newspaper as a writer and then for the Seattle Post Intelligencer. For the past 20 years, he had been a resident of Anacortes.

Val was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Anacortes, the Vietnam Vets Association and the Naval Institute Foundation. Val loved music, enjoyed movies, fishing, golf, writing, reading and supporting military organizations.

Val is survived by three sons: James Pierzchala and wife Tabi of Seattle; Matthew Pierzchala, USAF stationed in Okinawa, and wife Shonna; and Michael Pierzchala and wife Teresa of Oak Harbor; by his father Valentine J. Pierzchala of Grand Rapids and by 11 brothers and sisters in the Grand Rapids area and by his former wife Mary Pierzchala of Oak Harbor. Seven grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his mother.

A memorial service will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Friday, December 30, 2005 at 2:00pm with Rev. Robert Rhimes, SJ officiating. Burial at sea will follow, with full military honors, under the auspices of the U. S. Navy. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.