Harold Charles Balch, Jr.

Madison - Harry passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on March 2, 2011. Harry a.k.a. The Bald Eagle, was born January 31, 1930 in Madison to Harold C. Balch and Marie Louise Balch (nee Parritt).

He graduated from West High Schooland enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a sergeant in the Korean war. Upon returning to the U.S. he married Marian Carlson and had 2 children. He attended UW Madison and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Olson and Assoc. and Flad Engineering before setting out and starting his own firm Associated Engineers Inc., which was his baby until health forced his retirement. He designed the heating and cooling systems for numerous schools, nursing homes, hotels and businesses throughout Wisconsin. He also worked as a consultant for the state and was the preeminent authority on boilers.

Harry sat on numerous boards for various Madison mayors and was veryactive in politics for many years.

He loved spending time in Manitowish Waters at his house on the lake that he designed and help build. It was his pride and joy and ongoing hobby and a place to go relax. He loved spending time with friends at Alt n Bachs or the Parkway Restaurant. He was an avid Packer and Badger fan and was always ready to offer ""advice"" to the coaches. He had a soft spot in his heart for animals, bringing home everything from ducks to raccoons.

A few years ago he married Lyubov Savelova. They had many enjoyable times including a trip he'd always remember to Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife, Lyubov of Madison; his daughters, Virginia of Verona and Marilyn (Rory) Sharrow of Madison; grandchildren, Matthew and Breanna Balch of Verona; a cousin, Joe Newman in Arizona; and his beloved bird, Phoenix. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Willard.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the VA hospital and staffs at Highland Park and Four Winds Lodge.

Visitation will be held 9am Saturday, March 5, 2011. Funeral services will begin at 11am at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at Cress. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given. They will be distributed to various organizations that he supported. Harry will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the many people he touched. His was a life well lived.