Dennis P. Balma

He was born on January 15, 1948, in Detroit to the late William and Marguerite (Schumacher) Balma.

Following graduation from high school in Chicago, he earned his college bachelors degree from DePaul University of Chicago. He was employed at the Continental Bank in Chicago before coming to Hancock, where he became manager of the Hancock Holiday Station Store for 15 years until his retirement.

During the Vietnam Conflict Era, Dennis served in the United States Army in Italy in the finance and payroll department until his honorable discharge in 1974.

On July 17, 1989, he married Patricia “Patty”Roma. She preceded him in death on March 1, 2008.

Dennis was a member of the Church of the Resurrection in Hancock. He considered himself to be a fanatic on Italy, taking two vacations there, with his last trip in August of 2016 with his son, Matthew. He was also a Ferrari enthusiast, enjoyed skiing, cooking and loved his pet dogs. Dennis was a very outspoken political commentator online, being a devoted Republican.

He is survived by his only son, Matthew Nyland of Hancock; two grandsons, Justin and Julien; a sister, Vicki (Jerry) Wigland; two nephews, Tom and Mark Wigland; a close family friend, Michael“Squid” Laing; and by many friends.

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Church of the Resurrection with Rev. Fr. William Ssozi to officiate. Military honors will be rendered following the mass.

Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church before the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Copper Country Humane Society in the name of Dennis Balma.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements.

To leave online condolences, please go to oneilldennisfh.com.