Stephen Albert Ballenberger

Stephen was born to Edward and Dorothy Ballenberger in Adrian, MI. He attended high school at Adrian Catholic High School, where he was star football player. After high school, he attended culinary school at Culinary Institute of America and then, began his long career as a chef.

As a professional chef, Steve eschewed preparing anything traditional for holidays, telling his family making turkey was boring. His meals over the years, which include goat, octopus, traditional Ethiopian, and ground French meats, left inedible memories on his family. His family’s most beloved dish was his lasagna, which had at least 18 different layers, and any dessert he ever made, especially anything that could be set on fire before eating.

Steve’s Christmas gifts to his nieces, Emily and Jessica, were equally as memorable. He was fond of buying presents no parent would ever want their child to have, such as talking parrots. A tradition he continued with great nieces and nephews, Jack, Luke, Rowan, Brooks, and Leo.

Although Steve’s life had many challenges, his faith always endured.

He will be greatly missed by his brother, David, his sister-in-law, Theresa, and the rest of his family.

The family will greet guests from 9:00am until time of mass at 10:00am on Thursday, October 28 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11804 S Saginaw St., Grand Blanc.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

Fond memories and condolences may be offered to the family via the online guestbook at www.BrownFH.com

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfh.com for the Ballenberger family.