Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
WINCHESTER, Wis. - Mark S. Balas, M.D., age 57, of Winchester, died on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, from injuries sustained in a UTV accident. Mark was born on Nov. 2, 1964 in Denver, Colorado. He was the son of Marlene and Robert Balas.
Mark received his M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in 1991 and completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Michigan State University-McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan, in 1996.
After residency, Mark moved to northern Wisconsin and opened his medical practice, Northwoods Family Orthopaedics in Hurley. Mark served a large area (Hurley, Eagle River, Woodruff, Ironwood, Iron River and Ontonagon). He was well-loved by his patients and enjoyed connecting with them over his many interests and outdoor hobbies: hunting, fishing, skiing, football, foraging and gardening.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert F. Balas. He is survived by his beloved fiancée, Tami Sellner; his two children, Stephanie and Scott Balas of Manitowish Waters; his mother, Marlene Balas of Harshaw; his sister, Lynn Gregory (Chris) Ignas of St. Charles, Illinois; his nieces and nephews, Michael (Lynsey), Emily and Everett Gregory; his great-nephew Calvin Gregory; and the mother of his children, Amy Rayala of Manitowish Waters.
Visitation will be at noon on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua, and a memorial service will follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Texas Scottish Rite for Children or the Lakeland Performing Arts Association and the Campanile Center.
Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com.
Nimsgern Funeral and Cremation Services of Woodruff is serving the family.