Michael Balok

With a very heavy heart we are sharing, on January 3, 2026, Michael (Mike) Balok, (age 96), passed away suddenly while at home from a fall. Michael and Marguerite are now together to a new life with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Michael William Balok of Rochester, NH was born November 18, 1929, and raised in Detroit Michigan. Upon graduation from High School in 1947 he enlisted in the USAF and married the love of his life Marguerite Perrine (Mom) on June 11th, 1949, in Omaha Nebraska as a Sargent USAF. Mom always encouraged him to pursue his military career which allowed them both to travel the world. Michael attended Air Command and Staff College while receiving degrees from the University of Maryland and George Washington University. Both Mike and Marg traveled during Mikes promotions to Lt. Colonel within the USAF, enabling opportunities all over the US, Far East, France, and Germany, creating amazing experiences and memories. Upon returning from Germany, Marg and Mike adopted 2 children, Charles Michael Balok (Uncle Chuck) (deceased) and Rebecca Marie Balok. During this time a decision was made to settle and after 25 years of military service he relocated his family to Dover, NH, allowing the family to grow roots. Both were excited to live a stable family life, pursuing their interest within the community and raising the children together.
During his civilian career he was helping the disabled to acquire gainful employment with NH Vocational Rehabilitation and retired in 1992 after a long successful career of service. Michael pursued for a decade, with other parents in the community, building and operating the Dover Bluefins and Seacoast Stingrays, teams dedicated to developing young people ages 6-18 to become competitive swimmers. In addition, Michael was a volunteer for the City of Dover advisory boards supporting school and the Dover Children's Home, alongside his wife Marguerite. First Parish Church of Dover, NH was also a place of service for Michael, while serving as Deacon and various other boards and committees for many years.
Over the years both Mom and Dad enjoyed reunions which took place for over 20yrs in Surfside, Myrtle Beach SC. Each year the family would hold family reunions sharing the beach, meals, love and overabundance of playing OH Heck and Skip Bo, these were late nights and great times. Both Marg and Mike enjoyed visiting Balok side of family in Michigan and connecting with in-laws, nieces, and nephews, visiting the farm and spending time together. They so very much enjoyed those long drives through Canada when Michigan was their destination. After Mom passed in 2022, Dad took his
"nostalgic" drive to Michigan on his own at age 92 and made his way while making more memories and experiences for everyone.
He lived independently at age 96 and was a warrior of God and family, brought Joy, Love and Kindness to every human he met. I wish to follow his Grace in my life. Dad was a son, brother, cousin, grandson, husband, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and a great great uncle to so many nieces and nephews.
Michael (my dad) is survived by his daughter Rebecca Balok-Searles and her loving husband Bruce Searles of Brookfield, NH, he was the Best Grampa B to 3 wonderful grand kids, Christina Jarry and her husband David Jarry of Epping, Adam Searles of Dover, Jesse Searles of Dover and to the 5 most amazing great grand kids one could love, Connor, Nathan, Olivia, Mercy and Brady. Michael was pre-deceased by his parents Michael and Maria Sabadosh Balok; Katherine Kaniarz, Elizabeth Klasky, brother George Balok, sister Mary Jane Gutherie and is survived by his brother Donald Balok of Florida. Michael (Uncle Mike)'s love was extended through families/friends spread over, MI, SC, FL, AK, CA, NY, MA, ME, VT, Ireland and NH.
Dad was loyal, honest and driven to always be his best for others especially while taking care of my late Mom, Marguerite Balok, married 72 yrs before she passed. Dad was a servant to God and to his country in the USAF and always continued to support troops and the mission. Dad was always focused and practiced a diligent routine; sometimes this was challenging, but we navigated and were taught how true practice can create life and give back to others every day. He loved you all very much and enjoyed the past almost 4 yrs with his favorite son-in-law Bruce Searles and their Seafood dinners at Windjammers on Wednesdays. His consistency, grace, and joy were received by many. My Thursday bacon and eggs will never be the same, but I might just keep it that way since it was his favorite meal of the week and mine as well. This is an enormous loss for so many but please find and use his energy to keep going. Dad loved you all very much and thank you for always cheering him on in his glorious life.
We will honor Michael with a Celebration of Life service at Grondin Funeral Home, 177 N. Main St, Rochester, NH 03867 on, January 24th, 12-3pm with a service at 1:30pm, friends and family are invited. Full military honors will take place in the spring at the NH Veterans Cemetery, date TBD. In lieu of flowers please make donations to your chosen charity, such as the VFW.