Mary E. Balch

Mary E. Balch, 88, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 18, 2011.
Mary was born on January 10, 1923 in Quincy, Illinois to Loren and Elizabeth (Heidloff) Gillhouse. On June 19, 1948 she married Robert F. Balch. Mary taught first grade in the Appleton School District until her retirement in 1989. Mary enjoyed reading, traveling, studying her Bible, sailing, cooking her famous rolls (that no one can duplicate), and visiting Door County. Most of all she loved her family, spending time with them was the most important thing to her and those times will always be treasured. Mary joined Facebook to connect with family and friends. She was a member of First English Lutheran Church and the Clio Book Club.
Mary is survived by five children; Kathy Bergman, Appleton, Robert (Amy) Balch, Willow Park, Texas, James (Brenda) Balch, Verona, John (Libby) Balch, Alpharetta, Georgia, Ann (Todd) Dryer, Ashland, 11 grandchildren; Amy (John) Kopp, Anne (Dave) Moody, Jonathon (Amber) Balch, Angela Balch, Matthew (Sarah) Balch, Adam Balch, Andy (Kala) Balch, Peter (Katie) Balch, Ellie (Matt) Abney, Patrick (Jackie Ebert)Dryer, Allie Dryer, and great grandchildren; Jack and Alyssa Kopp, Robbie and Katie Moody, Jeremy Balch, Isaac and Nathan Balch and Jonathan Abney, She is further survived by a brother Loren Gillhouse of Missoula Montana. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert, and two brothers; Robert and John Gillhouse.
The funeral service for Mary will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH (326 East North St.) at 11:00 AM with Rev. Mary Bauer officiating. Interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.
Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior St
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231