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David W. Bale, age 88, of Holland, was called home to be with His Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
David graduated from Culver Military Academy, Culver, Indiana. David worked in
Lakeview, Michigan at the Michigan Pickle Company [owned by his father John Bale] and H.J. Heinz when Heinz transferred him and his family to Holland, Michigan. David was a dependable, dedicated and hard worker; traits he passed on to his children.
David loved spending time with family and friends, and always offered a helping hand and heart. His heart was genuine, caring and sincere. He would tell great stories and jokes always followed by his very distinctive laugh. He enjoyed talking about his days growing up in Lakeview, his pet alligator, driving his motorcycles, snow skiing in the mountains, Culver Military Academy and working at the pickle docks. David too enjoyed reading, music, history, local and world news, anything to do with animals and nature, fishing with family and trips to the beach. He too loved the family gatherings in the backyard and swimming pool, and his wife’s cooking. David was a member at Central Wesleyan Church with his wife Sooky and enjoyed Bible studies and their morning/evening devotions. A favorite bible verse of David’s was Jeremiah 29:11.
He is survived by his wife Sooky Bale (married 1957) with whom they have four children: John Scot and Monique Bale, Linda (Bale) and Patrick Hagan, Kris (Bale) and Alan Jones, Mark and Laura Bale, 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. David loved his wife and family.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Jr. and Nina Bale, sister Joann (Bale) Drain and his brother John Darwin (JD) Bale.
Please join us Saturday, June 24 at Central Wesleyan Church (446 W 40th St, Holland, MI) for a 10:30a visitation with family and friends, 11:30a memorial service and luncheon following (park in lot #5 and use entrance H).
A recording of David’s Memorial Service can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oi2ryaYDiw
To send a message of sympathy, sign David’s online guest book, or share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cards can be mailed to: Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, c/o of David Bale, 3627 Linden Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548. Staff will forward your cards to the family.
David’s family gives their deepest appreciation to Resthaven Care Center in Holland, Hospice of Holland and to all the many care givers along the way. Also, to everyone that supported David and his family in prayer, visits and words of encouragement – THANK YOU!
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Resthaven of Holland, 948 Washington Ave, Holland, MI 49423 and/or Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland, MI 49423.
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I will always remember sitting with David over many hours talking about war history, his favorite John Wayne movies, current events, the dogs he so much loved and the pride he has in his children and grandchildren. He had a robust humor with a great wit, and it was wonderful to have had the opportunity to spend so much time with him. I’m fairly certain amongst his first questions in Heaven were, “Can I get chocolate cake?, Can I get my motorcycle up here? and How do I get a dog up here?” David was and will always be so very proud of his family, and if you give him two minutes he always found a way to share how proud he was of them. My deepest condolences to his wife and family. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and David.