Dean Balsley

Dean Allen Balsley, 78, passed away on January 16, 2017 at home in Bremen, IN. He was born on March 25, 1938, in Bremen, IN to Jacob C and Lucille Hepler Balsley. Dean grew up in Bremen, IN. He graduated from Bremen HS in 1956. After high school, Dean joined the Army in 1961 and served for 2 years in active duty and another 4 years in the reserves. He was honorably discharged in 1967, achieving the rank of Specialist level 5. When returning back to Bremen, he began working at Ristance Wire/International Wire, where he retired from in the early 2000's. Dean was a member of the American Legion Post 191 for 50 years. He held every office at the local level and was the 3rd district Vice Commander. Dean married Mary Sue Dettbrenner on October 23, 1971 in Bremen. They were married for 45 years. Dean was preceded in death by his father, Jacob C Balsley, and his mother, Lucille Balsley. Dean is survived by his wife Mary Sue of Bremen; his children Rhonda Owens of Bremen, Shelly Carriveau of Mishawaka, Robert Balsley (Cindy) of Goshen, Jayson Balsley (Darren) of Auburn, and Diedra Balsley (Ruben) of Bremen; his sister Sue Ganshorn (Jerry) of Syracuse; his grandchildren, Noelle Carriveau, Jacob Carriveau, Brittney Riffle, Jerrick Balsley-Mendoza, Jonah Balsley, Cameron Owens, Nathan Guerrero, Gabriella Guerrero, and Mateo Guerrero; his great-grandchildren Sadiee Carriveau, Landen Carriveau, Aydenn Carriveau, Aubree Carriveau, Owen Carriveau, and Kaylen Carriveau; and his nieces and nephews Kelly Simpson, Shannon Smith, Christopher Ganshorn, and Tony Ganshorn. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, January 19, 2017 in Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 St. Rd. 331, Bremen. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 20, 2017 in the funeral home. Pastor Neil Wonnacott will officiate. Burial will follow in Bremen Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545, Memorial Children’s Hospital, 100 W. Navarre St, #5500, South Bend, IN 46601 or the Bremen VFW/American Legion, 1750 W. Plymouth St., Bremen, IN 46506.