Joseph Ballay Sr

Passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at his home after a short illness. Mr. Ballay was born April 3, 1925 in Chicago to Paul J. and Stephania (Dzurnik) Ballay. Joe attended Otsego High School. During WWII he was in the U.S. Navy, serving in the South Pacific as a diesel mechanic. For many years he was employed as a mechanic in the automotive industry, retiring from Checker Motor Company. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, working on classic cars and playing Dominos. Surviving are two daughters, Melodie (Robert) Dobbins of Allegan and Judy Langford of Otsego;seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; three sisters, Emily Kubin of Otsego, Illene (Jerry) Oetman of Otsego and Frances Wagner of Kalamazoo; a brother, Edwin (Joyce) Ballay of Kalamazoo; a sister-in-law, Doris Ballay of Plainwell; many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were a daughter, Millicent; a son, Joseph Jr.; and a brother, Paul Ballay, Jr. Friends may meet Joe's family from 6 to 8 PM Friday at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, where services will be held Saturday at 1:00 PM, Pastor Paul Knuckles officiating. Military Honors at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego, will be conducted by V.F.W. Post #3030. Contributions in memory of Joe may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.