John E. Bal Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

JOHN BAL NORWAY- John E. Bal age 85 of Norway, died Monday, June 2, 2014 at Dickinson Co. Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain, MI. John was born on July 4, 1928 in Norway, the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Smith) Bal. He attended and graduated from Norway High School . John served his country in the Navy as a jet engine mechanic from 1948 to 1968. He married Bernice Baker on February 13, 1954 in Milwaukee, WI. John moved with his family to Waukesha, WI in 1968 where he continued his career with Waukesha Motors until retiring in 1990. John returned to his beloved hometown of Norway, in 1996 where he was an active member of the Hall-DeWinter Post #145, American Legion, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and wood working. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Bernice Bal, sons Gary (Clara) Bal of Chicago, IL, Bruce Bal of Boston, MA, daughter Margaret (Ben) Bache-Wiig of Minneapolis, MN; brothers Edward (Marie)Bal, Joseph Bal, George (Betty) Bal; sisters Marie Devine, Patsy (Bill) Zanona, Margaret (Lee) Meneghini and sister in law Joan Bal; grandchildren Cynthia Baricos, Sarah, Peter, Meredith, Grace Bache-Wiig, Jessica, Jamie Bal; great grandchild Vivienne Baricos and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his brother Walter Bal, sister in law Marjorie Bal and brother in law Robert Devine. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 6 from 4-7 p.m. at the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church with Fr. Timothy Ekaitis presiding. Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery. The family request that memorial contributions may be made to the Hall-DeWinter Post #145, American Legion and Walter Bal Scholarship Fund.

John E. Bal

July 4, 1928 - June 2, 2014