Norman H. Balbaugh

MILLER CITY - Norman H. Balbaugh, 89, of Miller City died at 5:37 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay, Ohio surrounded by his family.  On June 13, 1931, he was born to the late William and Laura (Schroeder) Balbaugh. On November 6, 1957, he married JoAnn Buddelmeyer. She preceded him in death on March 3, 1998.

He is survived by his three sons; Michael (Dawn Schwab) Balbaugh of Miller City, David Balbaugh of Ottawa, and Jonathon (Shelly) Balbaugh of Ottawa;  four daughters:  Jean (Jim) Schmenk of New Cleveland, Lori (Dick) Kreinbrink of Leipsic, Marsha (Doug) Ellerbrock of Cutler and Amy Balbaugh of Columbus Grove; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; two brothers: Harold (Leoma) Balbaugh and Melvin (Carolyn) Balbaugh, both of Miller City; and two sisters-in-law: Mary Balbaugh and Velma Balbaugh.

He is preceded in death by his siblings: Cornelius Balbaugh, Mary Ida (Louis) Schroeder, Thomas Balbaugh, and James (Leona) Machunas.

Norm was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. He was also a recipient of the Ambassador of Peace Medal.  He retired from Ford in 1990 and was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Miller City Sportsman Club, Miller City American Legion, Ottawa VFW and Knights of Columbus.

Norm enjoyed his trip with the Honor Flight to the Veteran's Memorials in Washington, D.C.. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sharing his military stories. Everyone who knew Norm, knew he enjoyed talking with people, especially his friends at McDonald's, Arby's, and the MC Post Office. Prior to covid, he ate out quite often and would never turn down a pizza at Fat Jack's.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Jeff Eiden and Blanchard Valley Hospital, where he was the favorite of the 4th floor. We will be eternally grateful to the 4th floor staff, where they gave him special attention, while away from his family.

The funeral mass for Norm will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Miller City, with Monsignor Charles Singler officiating. The mass will be recorded and posted on the parish website.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass at the church. Due to regulations regarding COVID-19, masks are required upon entering the church. Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

The family appreciates and understands that in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, attending a visitation or funeral may not be in our best health interest. Please consider sharing your condolences with the family through the funeral home website at www.lovefuneralhome.com.