Gary Balcer

Gary (Bert) Balcer, age 69, passed away peacefully on November 23 with family by his side.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; father, Norbert; father and mother in-law, Bernard and Elizabeth Harmon.  He is survived by his beloved daughter, Katie; mother, Evelyn; sister, Cheryl (Mike) Haggerty; brothers, Dan Balcer and Kevin (Carol) Balcer; brothers-in-law, Richard (Lila) Harmon, Don (Nancy) Harmon, Tom (Teri) Harmon; sisters-in-law, Mary (Fritz) Hormuth, Susie Harmon; and many, many nieces and nephews.  Gary was a graduate of West Catholic High School, attended Michigan Tech and graduated from Aquinas College.  A Chicago Bear and Oklahoma Sooner football fan, his Monday attitude would depend greatly on their weekend performances.  As an avid fly fisherman, he would spend many a day on a northern Michigan river catching and releasing salmon and trout.  Not a fan of warm weather, when it came to getaways, his car was mostly on auto pilot north, where he and Sharon enjoyed trips to the Traverse City area and visiting the local wineries with friends.  The two biggest loves of his life were Sharon and Katie.  Never missing a sarcastic comment moment during family and friend gatherings, they were always delivered with a smile and a laugh.   He will leave a large hole in the lives of those whom he knew.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am, Monday, November 30, 2020 at St. Robert of Newminster, 6477 Ada Dr. SE, Ada, MI 49301 with visitation one-hour prior. Reverend Leonard Sudlik presiding. COVID restrictions will be enforced with masks and social distancing required. Memorial donations can be made to West Catholic High School, 1801 Bristol Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – West Michigan Chapter, 2922 Fuller Ave. NE, 114, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.