Vale M. Fifer
January 30, 1935 – September 18, 2026
In accordance with his wishes, Vale will be cremated. A Celebration of Life for Vale will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gobles United Methodist Church, 210 East Exchange St., Gobles.
Obituary
Vale Monroe Fifer, born January 30, 1935, passed away at home on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Vale was born to Merlin Fifer and Elva Parker. He proudly served in the United States Navy before beginning his working career. He worked at Fuller/Eaton Corporation in Kalamazoo and later at Marro in Schoolcraft, where he made airplane parts. In his retirement he worked at Wahmhoff Christmas Tree Farms.
Vale was known for his sense of humor and his love of telling jokes. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and spending time with family and friends. He also had a deep and well-known appreciation for PBR beer.
Vale was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Harriett Fifer; his parents, Merlin Fifer and Elva Parker; his son, John Fifer; and his brother, Miles Fifer.
He is survived by his children, Julie Vosburg and Judy Kleis; his stepchildren, Michael (Penny) Burris, Rick (Linda) Burris, Rodney (Marge) Burris, Zana (Wes) Williams, and Kathryn (Dennis) Knight; 20 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Vale will be remembered for his humor, his stories, his love of fishing, and the many memories he made with the people who knew him.
He was a good neighbor he will be missed
Our great Neighbors…Vale and Joan and kids, Johnny and Julie!!💙💕💙💕
Roger & Barb DenBraber
Judy, so sorry to hear of your loss. Hope memories bring you comfort. I know mine have of my folks. ALL of our memories are important to who we are and because you are some of my fondest, I hope you remember ours too. Sending hugs and love.
Vale was a great neighbor! Always had a joke and a laugh❤️
Love ya.
I met Vale while working at Wahmhoff Farms. He always came into the office with a smile and a joke or story. Always brightened everyone’s day. He has a tattoo on his shoulder that he got while in the Navy in 1952 which was the year that I was born. We always joked that it was my tattoo. R.I.P. my friend. Love, Candy