Bernie Balla, 59

Bernie Balla, 59, passed away on Feb. 20, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Bernie was born in Detroit to MaryAnn and Steve Balla on Oct. 21, 1954. 

He went to school at Colby High School in Colby, Wis., where he met the love of his life, Melody Fleck. They then moved to Kalispell where they were married on Nov. 16, 1973. 

He worked for DVY Construction with his father-in-law, Gordy. 

Bernie and Melody started a family with their first son, Steve, born May 18, 1974; their second son, Matt, born March 25, 1976; and their daughter, Nicole, born July 30, 1978.

Bernie’s passions were fishing, hunting, camping and spending time with his family. Also, he loved tinkering in his garage on many different projects, usually fixing the kids’ cars and such. He was very talented and was a jack-of-all-trades. The biggest project he accomplished was building their dream home together in Shelter Valley. He was always willing to lend his advice and helping hand to anyone and everyone!

Bernie was preceded in death by his father, Steve Balla; and his older brother, Bob Balla.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Melody; and children, Steve, Matt and wife Becca, and Nikki and husband Shane; grandchildren, Abby, Kajia, Stormy, Morgan and Kloey; mother, MaryAnn Balla; and siblings, Barbara Feryance, Brian Balla, Bret Balla, Beth Balla, Blake Balla and their families.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, at North Valley Baptist Church, 1750 Talbot Road, Columbia Falls, with Pastor Rick Rhubottom officiating. A potluck celebration of his life will follow there in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, cash donations would be greatly appreciated.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bernie’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Bernie’s tribute wall.