Stephen J. Balog Sr.

TRAVERSE CITY — Stephen J. Balog Sr., 94, of Traverse City, died Sept. 27, 2009.

Steve was born Aug. 5, 1915, in Detroit, the son of Simon and Elizabeth. He married Marie Papp on Jan. 21, 1938, and raised four children.

Steve graduated from St. Rose High School in Detroit and worked at Hermans Hardware until 1940, when he and his wife opened Steve's Hardware on Chalmers. They sold the store in 1956 and he worked for Morley Brothers until retirement.

While residing in Royal Oak, he was a member of the Shrine of the Little Flower Parish. Upon moving to Traverse City, he joined St. Francis Catholic Church. He was very spiritual, involving himself in the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent DePaul, and Meals on Wheels.

Steve is survived by his wife, Marie Papp; three sons, Michael Rocky (Joanne), Joseph Papp (Ginny), Stephen Jr. (Carolyn); one daughter, Shari Flatt (Jerry); 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Brother Vincentius Balog, C.S.C.; and sister, Margaret Rabb (Jake).

His brother, John Balog, preceded him in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Visitation will be at the church Friday, starting at 9:30 a.m., with a Rosary Service at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 3963 Three Mile Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Please share a fond memory of Steve at www.mem.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.