Thomas Balaban's Obituary
Thomas Balaban
July 1, 1923-"May 26, 2012
Thomas Balaban was born on July 1, 1923 in Streeter, North Dakota, one of the last of 21 children. He was raised on a farm with his brothers and sisters. During WWII, he served in the Army. When he returned from his service, he met his wife, Nila Sieglock, while learning to dance.
They moved to Tacoma in the early 1950's, where they raised their family -" daughter Carol, and son Tom D. Life was hard, but they had each other. At the end of 1972, he lost his wife, Nila, to cancer.
Thomas worked for over 30 years with Washington Natural Gas Co. (PSE). When he retired in 1985, he started a new life with his wife, LaVere Wilgus, until she died in 2002.
He loved his family, baseball, old country, and the 40's big band music. His faith was important to him, and he was a member, usher, and head usher at Bethlehem Lutheran Church for many years. He was a member of the Puyallup Eagles and Puyallup Lion's Club where he loved to serve people and, of course, dance.
He is survived by his daughter Carol (Gaylen), son Tom (Jan); three grandsons James (Mel), David (Lucie), and Daniel (Jaime); two granddaughters Emily and Julia; three great-granddaughters Kylee, Madeline and Stella; step-son Ford (Noreen) Wilgus and many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren including Todd (Elaine), Shawna (Chad), Tristan, Lorelai, and Kaylie.
Viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Mountain View Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, June 1, 2012 in the Mountain View Garden Chapel.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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