Michael Bala

Michael was a devoted father, grandfather and friend who was always eager to lend a hand, and was a true blessing to those around him. He will be lovingly remembered.

Michael was born on November 30, 1943 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the oldest of Harry and Seraphine (Niewiadomski) Bala's two children, including a younger brother Danny. Michael spent his childhood in a very Polish neighborhood in Grand Rapids in a home on 1130 Watson SW. When he was still young, Michael developed a love for small game hunting and deer hunting that would follow him into adulthood. He also enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, golf and football. As his family attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Michael went to Catholic schools, first attending Sacred Heart Elementary before moving on to Catholic Central High School. He proudly graduated with his class in 1960.

Having graduated in the year 1960, when the United States was actively entering the conflict in Vietnam, Michael made the brave decision to join the Army at age 17. He became a paratrooper, and served his country during the Vietnam War for four years. After returning home from serving, Michael entered a new and exciting chapter of his life when he began dating a young woman named Rosalie Anderson. The two fell in love, and were married in May of 1965 at St. James Catholic Church. The family lived on Atlantic NW in Grand Rapids.

Though Michael and Rosalie would later divorce, they were glad to have had three wonderful children together, Tim, Kim and Katie. The family were members of St. Adalbert's church and the kids all graduated from West Catholic High School. Michael was a caring father, and showed great dedication to his family. For most of his life, Michael lived in Newaygo, where he continued to enjoy hunting and fishing. His favorite places to fish were Croton Pond and the Muskegon River, though he enjoyed fishing just about anywhere if he was joined by his family or friends. In his spare time, Michael enjoyed reading western novels, crossword puzzles, yahtzee, and listening to oldies music, especially Elvis. He could often be found puttering around his yard on his lawn mower as well. When his children had grown and had families of their own, Michael was an active and loving grandfather. He attending his grandchildren's sporting events and loved playing the Wii with them during his visits. For 21 years, Michael was a dedicated employee at Rapistan. He also worked in many aspects of the construction industry. Unfortunately, several years ago Michael was diagnosed with diabetes. Following a cardiac bypass surgery, Micheal’s health diminished, and he was no longer able to work.

Michael died at his home very unexpectedly on Monday evening, March 7, 2011. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Bala, his brother Daniel Bala and his step-father, Rudolph Arbanas. He is survived by his children, Tim (Lisa) Bala, Kim (Tim) Polasek, Katie (Geoff) Schuur; 11 grandchildren; his mother, Seraphine Arbanas; sister-in-law, Susan Bala; his step-brothers and step-sisters, Dave (Roselyn) Arbanas, Paul Arbanas, Joe Arbanas, Anthony (Mary L.) Arbanas, Mary E. Arbanas; many nieces, nephews and friends.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Grand Rapids. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Friday from 6-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, with the rosary prayed at 8:00 PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Capitol Campaign or the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. To leave your own memory of Michael and sign his guest book, visit www.lifestorynet.com.