Elmer William Balow, 82, of Houghton Lake passed away on Friday March 29, 2019 at McLaren Bay Regional Hospital in Bay City.
Elmer was born on September 25, 1936 in Royal Oak, Michigan to Elmer and Ruth (Wimbell) Balow. Elmer grew up in the Detroit area where he graduated from Utica High School. While in school he excelled in baseball, basketball, track, and football. His coach, Barney Swinehart, was the same person all four years, in all four sports, and he became a close friend and mentor to Elmer through the years. Elmer was being recruited as a pitcher by the Baltimore Orioles following high school but he was drafted into the Army. He served his country as a Specialist Third Class from 1955 thru 1957. Elmer had several jobs before working in Quality Control for General Motors from which he retired. He was married in Royal Oak to Marlene Fras on October 20, 1978. The couple moved to the Houghton Lake area in 1990. From 1997 to 1999 they lived in California before returning to the Houghton Lake area. Elmer was known as a loyal friend that fiercely protect those he loved, and was generous to a fault.
Surviving Mr. Balow are his two brothers, Gary(Carol) Clason of Los Angeles, California, and Roy(Linda) Clason of Pheonix, Arizona; sister, Shirley(Robert) Zaetta of Plymouth; several nieces and nephews; many friends including, Susan and Terry Paladino of Houghton Lake, and life-long friend Joe Sieman of Waterford. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlene; son, Ronald; sister, Barbara Boyd; and brother Clifford “Buddy” Balow.
At the request of Mr. Balow there will be no services. Memorial contributions in memory of Elmer are asked to be directed to the Roscommon County Animal Shelter. Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com
