Latest News

Danish-Latvian Quintet CARION Performing at Saint Meinrad This Tuesday “Connections & Cabernet” Professional Networking Event Scheduled for April 30th Photojournalist Henry Herr Gill’s Photography to be Exhibited at St Meinrad Archabbey Ferdinand Folk Festival Announces 2026 Lineup Led by The Last Revel WBDC Announces Lineup and Community Partnership for 44th Annual Country Showdown Presented by German American Bank

Ray Vaal, 77, of St. Meinrad, passed away, Tuesday, November 21st at Memorial Hospital in Jasper. He was born May 19, 1940 in St. Meinrad to Robert and Mildred (Gogel) Vaal. He married Janet McNelis on June 9, 1962 in Precious Blood Church in Jasper. Ray was owner of Vaals Appliance Store. He was a member of St. Meinrad Fire Department since 1958. He served as Chief and most recently as Assistant Chief. Ray served in the National Guard. He was member of St. Meinrad American

Legion Post 366.  Ray enjoyed 4-Wheeling and restoring his 1947 Jeep. He is survived by his wife, Janet Vaal of St. Meinrad; a son, Jeff (Toni) Vaal of St. Meinrad ; one daughter, Schelly (Jon) Songer of Jasper; one brother, James (Clara Mae) Vaal of Ferdinand; seven sisters, Dorothy Gehlhausen, Ruthie (Rich) Clark , Connie (Randy) Hildenbrand all of Ferdinand, Bettye (Leroy) Greulich of St. Meinrad, Norma Amos of Huntingburg, Kathy (Bill) Hopf of Jasper, Toni Mundy of Nicholasville, Ky; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10:00 AM CDT in St. Meinrad Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 1-7:00 PM CDT at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand and on Saturday from 9:00 am until service time at the church. Online condolences at www.becherfuneralhome.com