Edward R. Balchunas

Edward R. Balchunas, age 95, died peacefully on November 3, 2016 at his Grosse Pointe Woods, MI residence surrounded by family. Ed was born on April 20, 1921 in Thomas, West Virginia. He was the son of Michael and Louise Balchunas, who emigrated in 1907 from Lithuania and Latvia, respectively. Ed was the youngest of 7 children. Ed was a highly-skilled tool maker. His craft took him around the world, starting as a machinist in the Navy during WWII aboard the USS Lynx serving in the Pacific theatre. Post war, Ed worked for over forty four years as a Plant Manager for The Cross Company, a manufacturer of machine tools. Ed was responsible for expanding The Cross Company's operations in England and Germany, and his family had the pleasure of living abroad with him during those assignments. Ed most enjoyed sharing his knowledge with engineering students at Purdue serving as a guest speaker on many occasions. On any given early morning or in the darkness of night, you could find Ed fishing for walleye in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River or ice fishing in Mitchell's Bay Canada for perch; he was often joined by his daughter, Patricia. He derived much pleasure in sharing his catches with family, neighbors and friends. Ed also enjoyed golfing, bowling, swimming, playing poker, building clocks and fixing and refinishing the plethora of antiques his late wife would present him with. Ed was most known for his quick and sometimes off-color humor. No one could tell a joke like Ed. Ed was the beloved husband of his late wife, Gloria (nee Frahm) Balchunas. Dear father of Patricia Balchunas Thibault (Michael), Eddie Krausmann (Sue) and Tom Krausmann (Laura). Grandfather of Kirsten, Kaitlin and Tom Krausmann. Dear cousin of Joyce Heithecker, uncle and friend to many. Ed's family is most grateful to Beverly Kelley and Rose Bashaw ("Rosie"), Ed's care givers. Rosie was not only Ed's housekeeper and care giver but was his dear friend. It was Rose's care that allowed Ed to stay in his home, just the way he wanted it. A celebration of Ed's life will be held at 3:30 pm on Saturday, November 19 at the Grosse Pointe Farms Pier Park Community Center at 350 Lakeshore Road. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Grosse Pointe War Memorial located at 32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 are greatly appreciated.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236