Obituary of Henry S. Bale, Jr.

Henry S. Bale, Jr.

Henry S. Bale, Jr., passed away peacefully at the age of 85, after a brief illness, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet, IL.  Henry was born on June 11, 1937, in Joliet the son of the late Henry S. and Lois (nee Blatt ) Bale. 

Henry graduated from Joliet Township High School, Class of 1955, where he was a band member, playing the flute, and Northern Illinois University, Class of 1959.  He began working with his father at Bale and Bale Insurance Agency in Joliet, he purchased a business in Wilmington, IL, which became The Bale Agency, specializing in insurance and real estate. Henry resided in Wilmington from 1966-2016, where he served as past president of the Wilmington Rotary Club. He was also a parishioner of Christ Episcopal Church in Joliet, IL.

In 2016 Henry retired to Joliet. He loved feeding the birds, especially cardinals, gardening, and his pet feeding station for his dog walking friends. 

Henry is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Diane (nee Sutherland) Bale; his son, Andrew Bale of Joliet; daughter Elizabeth (Dr. Andrew A. Roechner, Jr.) Roechner of Joliet; granddaughters, Sinclair, Isabella, and Sutton Roechner all of Joliet; several cousins, including Miriam Merrill of Joliet; several nieces and nephews; and his cats, Snap, Jinx, and Pippa.

He is preceded by his parents; and sister, Georgia L. (Rev. Joseph A., Sr) Howell.

A Memorial Service for Henry S. Bale, Jr. will be held at a later date. According to his wishes cremation rites have been accorded.

For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or online condolence.