Walter P. Bal

WALTER BAL NORWAY- Walter P. Bal age 75 of Norway, died Friday, August 29, 2008 at Dickinson Co. Memorial Hospital, Iron Mountain, MI. Wally was born in Norway on February 26, 1933 to the late Joseph and Margaret (Smith) Bal. Wally served his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Korean War. Upon returning, he attended Michigan Technological University graduating in 1959 with a degree in engineering. He married the former Joan Bertolini on April 22, 1961 at St. Barbara’s Church in Vulcan. Wally retired in 1992 from General Motors after a 30 plus year career. After starting his career in Milwaukee, WI., he spent the last 22 years of his professional career in Indianapolis, IN. He was most proud of his work on the guidance systems for the Titan II and Titan III Missiles as well as his work on the design and installation of the Gunship Trainable Gunsystem in C130 aircraft. He was a member of the St Mary’s Catholic Church & American Legion Post 145. He served the City of Norway on the Electrical Board and Planning Commission. Wally was an avid sportsman. Happiest during the many hours spent at Wayne’s camp. He highlighted his hunting career with a trip to British Columbia in September 1995. He is survived by his wife Joan; his daughters Linda Bal of Austin, TX & Diane (Larry) Frantz of Carmel, IN; Grandchildren Katie & Jon Frantz of Carmel, IN; Brothers & Sisters John (Bernice) Bal, Joseph Bal, Edward (Marie) Bal, Marie Devine, George (Betty) Bal, Patsy (William) Zanona, Marge ( Lee) Meneghini; Brother-In-Law Robert (Dorothy) Bertolini; and numerous special nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; special Aunt & Uncle Americo & Elizabeth Tinti; Sister-In-Law Margie Bal; Brother-In-Law Robert Devine; & Brother-In-Law Leo Bertolini Jr. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Miner-Ortman Funeral Home in Norway. Parish Prayers will be held on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, September 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Miner-Ortman Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church with Fr. James Roetzer, presiding. Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery. Wally’s heart was always in Norway, no matter where he traveled. He also had a strong belief in education. Because of this his family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions maybe made to the scholarship that will be established at Norway-Vulcan High School in his memory.

Walter P. Bal

February 26, 1933 - August 29, 2008