George Frances Bali

George Frances Bali, 81, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away at 12:45 pm on Friday, September 15, 2017, in Hospice House, South Bend.

On February 15, 1936, he was born in South Bend to George and Anna Agatha (Wincek) Bali Jr.  He was united in marriage to Katherine “Jane” Vanek on May 21, 1960, who survives.  George was a lifelong resident of South Bend, where he worked for Torrington Co. until its closing, Bertrand Industries and then retired from SKF Bearing in Bremen, Indiana as supervisor.  He served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1954 – 1958.

At the age of 4, his father passed away and his mother married Vern Shipley who raised him along with his sisters, Barbara and Kathryn.  At church, he was Eucharist minister and server for the 11:30am Mass at Little Flower Catholic Church.

George and Jane owned a 1991 Mazda Miata and was a member of the Miata Club where they drove on several race tracks including The Poconos, Daytona, Indianapolis Speedway and Gateway International Raceway, St. Louis.  He also helped with many meals for the Knights of Columbus, serving at fish fries and spaghetti dinners.  George enjoyed bowling, which he bowled a perfect 300 game, and also golf of which he started as a caddy at South Bend Country Club.  He also enjoyed woodworking and making pens.  All of us have our memory boxes, pens and multiple other projects that Dad made.  He was known for his Hungarian cooking, especially Palascinta, goulash and sour cream and cucumbers.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Katherine Jane Bali, South Bend; two daughters, Beth (and spouse Jim) Burkhead, Greenwood and Amy (and spouse Ken) Hurt, Osceola; son, George “Chris” (and spouse Dianne) Bali, Wheeler; grandchildren, Stacy (and spouse Chris) Wright, Ellen (Derek Bronish) Fetterman, Bekelech Hurt, Oscar Aguilera, Alan (and spouse Katie) Bali, Marissa Bali and Katie Wettstein; great grandchildren, Jackson Wright, Legan Wright, Otto Aguilera and Anna Bali; two sisters, Barbara (and spouse Joseph) Molnar and Kathryn Kurek both of Florida.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am Wednesday, September 20, 2017 in Little Flower Catholic Church with Father Terry Coonan, Jr., officiating. Burial will be in Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Visitation hours will be from 4:00 – 8:00pm on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 in Palmer Funeral Home—Guisinger Chapel. Father Terry will lead prayers at 8:00pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left for the Bali family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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