Paul Arthur Kvale

April 19, 1939 – April 24, 2025

Born in Brooklyn, New York on April 19, 1939, and raised in Falls Church, Virginia, Paul Kvale lived a life of service, love, and dedication to his family, profession, and faith.

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Arthur and Frances Kvale, and his sister, Susannah Armstrong. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Susan (nee Gehrlich), and their children: Valerie Long (John), Craig (Laura Keck), and Heidi Tigges (Todd). He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy.

Paul Kvale attended Capital University before earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. To support himself and his young family through his studies, he worked overseeing a local pool—an early example of the dedication that would define his life.

He served his country with honor in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1969, stationed in both the Philippines and San Diego.

A gifted and compassionate physician, Paul Kvale devoted over 50 years to the field of pulmonary medicine at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, where he also served as department chair. He was deeply committed to patient care, earning the admiration of those he treated for his warm bedside manner. Equally passionate about education, he mentored generations of medical students and residents. His research in lung cancer and AIDS was groundbreaking, and he lectured on these subjects around the world. He also served as President of the American College of Chest Physicians.

A man of deep faith, he was a dedicated member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe Farms, where he served as president of the congregation, sang in the choir, and joyfully created sets for the children’s Christmas programs. Church was a vital part of his life, and he rarely missed a service.

Outside of medicine and ministry, Paul Kvale was a man of many interests. He loved spending time with his family, sailing, golfing, and traveling the world with his wife, Susan. His grandchildren especially cherished the cakes he lovingly baked and decorated—each decorated as their favorite characters.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the students he mentored, and the family he loved so dearly.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan on May 8, 2025 at 10:30am. Visitation with the family will be held at the church beginning at 9:30am. A celebration of life reception will be held at Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit from 12pm- 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 375 Lothrop, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 or the Parkinson’s Foundation.