Donald Michael Balash

Donald Michael Balash, 72, went peacefully to his eternal rest on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Hospice of the Calumet Area, William J. Riley Memorial Residence. Donald was born September 26, 1940 to the late Michael and the late Lucille Balash of Hegewisch. Donald is survived by his loving wife of almost 48 years, Andee (nee Kohut) Balash; three adoring children, Donna Balash (David) Ivers, Michael Balash and Daniel Balash; two granddaughters, Lillea and Nina Balash; sister, Gloria (Ronald) Mizer; sister-in-law, Beatrice (late Michael) Kohut; nephews, David Mizer, David (Tonya) Kohut and Christopher (Donna) Kohut; niece, Dana (Matt) Frey; six grand nieces and grandnephews. Donald worked for 44 years as a metallurgical chemist at Republic/LTV Steel and 10 years as a tax professional for H&R Block. Donald was an avid duck hunter with his lifelong friends, Alan Penar, Billy Billich, Rich Haltek and Joe Barnas. He also looked forward to his Monday breakfast meetings and Republic Steel Supervisor Club with his buddies, Norm Szymanski, John Hnath and Paul Balcerak. Don was a veteran of the Army National Guard of Illinois. Funeral service will be on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, 9:15 AM at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN with a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann Church, Lansing, IL. Interment will be at St. John Cemetery, Hammond, IN. Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 3:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to St. Ann Church of Lansing, IL or Hospice of the Calumet Area, William J. Riley Memorial Residence. Don will be greatly missed by his family, friends and many tax clients.