Michael J. Bales

Michael J. Bales, age 67 of rural Wapakoneta, slipped out of the arms of his loving family and onto our Heavenly Father at 7:11 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2015 after a seven month battle with cancer.

Michael was born in Lima, Ohio on June 28, 1948 to James M. and Lorraine C. (Schipper) Bales both deceased.
On August 22, 1981 he married Dana Musser who survives in Wapakoneta.

He was a graduate of Lima Senior High School and attended Lima OSU Branch, then was called to serve in the US Marine Corp from 1969 to 1971. Upon his return & due to his avid love of motorcycles, which he has ridden since the age of 15, Michael and his father opened Lima Motorcycle Sales until 1982. He then became part of the auto industry working many years for Bill Ahl Buick as general manager, Lima Auto Mall and currently for the Rieneke Family Dealership as finance manager.

In addition to Dana, Michael is survived by a daughter, Michele K. (Steve) Moore of PA, a son Jonathan M. Bales of Wapak, 3 granchildren, James, Alivea and Joshua. Also a sister, Susan (Tom) Honegger and a bother, Steven (Linda) Bales both of Lima, a uncle, Harry (Stephanie) Schipper of Cridersville, sister-in-laws, Ricki (Ed) Maxwell of Jackson Center, Karen Allen of Columbus and several nieces and nephews.

Michael was preceded by a brother Daniel Bales.

Besides the love of his family, riding motorcycles was the joy of his life which he rode year round. You knew the road conditions were “bad” when Mike drove his car to work. Vacations were just getting on their motorcycles and riding to wherever the road took them.

Memorial Contributions may be given to JCUMC Music Fund.

A Life Celebration will begin 5:00 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Jackson Center United Methodist Church, Rev. Rob Ulmer will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Military rites will be observed.