Ernest Steve Balla, of Columbiaville, age 84, passed away Saturday December 10, 2016 at Lapeer County Medical Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Saturday December 17, 2016 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 6340 Roberta, Burton Michigan 48509. Fr. Carl Simon, Celebrant, with Rite of Committal to follow at Flint Memorial Park. Family will receive visitors from 6-8 pm Thursday and 1-4 and 6-8 pm Friday with a 7 pm Scripture service at the funeral home. Mr. Balla will lie in state at the church from 10 am Saturday until time of services. Those desiring can send gifts in Ernie's memory to Lapeer County Medical Care Facility (Suncrest) for the loving and immaculate care given him in his last four years on earth. Ernest was born in Flint Michigan on October 10, 1932 the son of the late: John & Helen (Krezan) Balla. He was joined in marriage to Mary Lucy Candelaria on December 5, 1953, and they resided in the Burton area up until 1975, when they moved to Columbiaville to set up their retirement property, he and his wife owned and operated the Columbiaville Econo Wash and Game Room until their retirement. He left his mark on Columbiaville and will be forever loved and remembered. Answering the call of his country Ernest served in the Korean War and earned a Purple Heart. He was a husband, father and mentor to many. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. His mastery of trades was only superseded by his gifted spirit which brightened the life of all those around him. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, and had been employed by General Motors; Buick Division for over thirty one year's retiring in 1981. He will be sadly missed by his children; Frederick Manuel Balla (Joan), Helen Rosanne Balla (David), Tina Balla-Cyman, and Sophia Balla (Ron). He also leaves behind his twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His second family will also miss him dearly: Toni (Newton) and Jim Toth, Rene' (Newton) and Jim Swain, and a host of other relatives and friends. A special thank you to: Tami (Balla) Dorn, Marshall Balla, and Saranda Cyman for your love and devotions to your grandparents. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lucy, brother John, sister Elizabeth, and nephew Dale and wife Joyce Newton. Share your condolences at www.hansenfuneralhome.net