Michael William Ballas of Irma died on May 14, 2015. He was born on September 18, 1955 in Madison.
Mike graduated from Menasha High School and the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
He proudly served in the United States Army for three years and the Army Reserves for 20 years. While on active duty in the US Army, Mike was promoted to the rank of Specialist 5 and served as a technical control specialist assigned to Detachment II, 7th Signal Brigade in Heilbronn, Germany. There his favorite pass time was Volksmarching (assorted 5k trails in the beautiful countryside where groups of hiking enthusiasts gathered and enjoyed the sport, gathering token pins for each event).
He later served in the US Army Reserves as an interior electrician. He deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His last unit of assignment in the US Army Reserves was with Company A, 224th Engineer Battalion. He returned home to Oak Creek Wisconsin and continued to work for Quad/Graphics Inc. He retired to his dream home cottage in Irma where he passed due to natural causes.
Mike loved everything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He had a passion to capture everything with his camera as well. He will always be remembered as a loving and hard-working father by his three children, Chelsea, Brooke and Brett.
He is the grandson of the late Ben and Mary Jankowski and is survived by three children, wife, step-children, two sisters, and a brother in Washington.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 2 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home with Reverend Jeremiah Worman officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Antigo veterans will conduct military honors at the funeral home following the service.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
i miss him day and night I can't wait to see him in heaven I love him to the moon and back
I wrote this the following day after your passing.. The last time i walked the VA grounds was with you. The same path i took today was different, but rather a sense of pain. My Strength was from you knowing i had business to take care of and my way of paying respect to you. Your military buddies whom reminisced and saw what i saw in you and making you so special. The things and people you introduced into my life brought the LIFE back out of you. The day was full of surprises, but allowed me to gain a better understanding of you. You were comical and always made people laugh even if you knew them or not. I will forever remember the special moments we spent together. You are such a special person and will always hold a special place in my heart. See you again. -brooke
This is a great memory I have with my Dad. We were always fishing together and enjoying nature. He will forever be in my heart. He inspired me to learn and keep trying in everything I do. I love my Dad so much and I am so thankful for the the amazing memories we have together.
Man so many memories with my dad! The Lord took him to early. Love you so much dad. I will see you again one day.
Oh man, the fun we all had being his neighbor and friend when we were kids. We all loved the swamp across the street. So Many memories and good times. The lord took him too soon. My condolences go to the whole Ballas family. You WILL be missed.