Erna Müller Baleno

Erna was born in Zwiesel, Germany; she moved to the United States in 1956 to marry the love of her life, Frank Baleno.

Erna (Oma) leaves behind a legacy of love. Oma fiercely loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In Oma’s eyes, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren could do no wrong. Oma’s laugh was contagious, whenever Oma started laughing it was impossible not to laugh with her. Oma lived a life of persevering love, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness. Oma was strong, “like German steel,” surviving the war, breast cancer, a lightning strike, and multiple strokes. Through it all, Oma never complained and never spoke badly of anyone; Oma was resilient and was guided by a firm and enduring faith. Oma trusted in God for all the days of her life, and we rejoice that she is now walking, dancing, and laughing, free of the pain and suffering of this world.

Erna is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Frank Joseph Baleno; her children, Debra Baleno Lilley (Fleetwood), Frank Xavier Baleno (Daysi), Joseph Frank Baleno (Karen), and Steven Kurt Baleno (Dana); her grandchildren, Sonja Lilley Minich (David), Kelly Lilley, Ashley Baleno, Joey Baleno, Xandria Baleno, Xiomi Baleno, Katie Baleno, Frank Baleno Jr., Walker McDowell, Olivia Baleno, and Mia Baleno; her great-grandchildren, Lily Minich, Claire Minich, and Bella Minich; and her brothers, Max Müller and Joschi Müller.

Erna was preceded in death by her parents, Theresa and Franz “Xaver” Müller; her grandmother, Margarethe; her stepmother, Ottilie; her brothers, Xaver, Ferd, and Kurt; and her sisters, Gretl, Liesl, Frieda, Martha, Christl, and Lilli.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Special thanks to the staff and administrators at Carroll Campbell Place and PruittHealth Hospice for your unwavering love and care for Erna and her family.

Erna’s funeral service will be held on Monday, September 14th, 2026 at 10:00am, visitation at 9:00am at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, SC, 29210. A reception will follow the service.

Those wishing to honor Erna’s memory, please consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org/donate) in lieu of flowers.