WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ned R. Bale, age 91, of White Pigeon, passed away on August 24, 2025.
Ned was born in Douglas, Michigan on October 19, 1933. He was the third of five children of Ned H. and Katheryn (Kay) Bale of Fennville, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Loretta Bale, parents and brother, Homer Bale of Fennville.
Ned was a teacher at White Pigeon Community Schools for 36 years and at Martin High School for two years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree and Education Certificate from Western Michigan University in 1956. He taught math, history, and physical education. He coached golf, basketball, and baseball. He taught Driver’s Education and served as senior class chaperone on trips to Washington D.C.
Ned’s summers included working in construction, mason work with Don Blanchard, house painting with Carl Siberry or field work with local seed corn companies.
Baseball was his favorite sport and when he arrived in White Pigeon in 1958 the high school baseball team needed uniforms, equipment, and players. His first few years of coaching baseball were also advocating for a team. The golf teams he coached won regional competitions with a few of the high school golfers making it to state level competitions.
Ned was an avid sports fan and outdoors person. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He began hunting as a teenager and honed his skill over the 70 years he was able to participate in hunting and fishing. One of his favorite remarks to his family was, “Don’t plan any events on November 15 or May 1 as they are national holidays.” (The beginning of gun season for deer hunting and spring turkey season.) He fished local lakes along with traveling to Canada. He enjoyed bowling with local friends.
He was a member of the White Pigeon Jaycees, a Village Council member for two terms, the White Pigeon Education Association, the Michigan and National Education Associations and the NRA.
He is survived by daughters Carol Bale of Kalamazoo, Cindy Logan (Ron) of Sturgis, grandson Ben Logan (Adria) of Granger, Indiana, two great grandchildren Dominic and Chloe Logan, brothers Jack Bale of Iron Mountain, MI, Phillip Bale of Fennville, MI, and sister Sharon Bale of Tucson, AZ.
Per Ned’s request, there will not be any services. He hoped everyone would remember him as a friend, teacher, coach, neighbor, outdoorsman and sports fan.
Donations can be made to the White Pigeon Township Library, PO Box 399, White Pigeon, MI 49099 or to Thurston Woods Froh Community Home and Rehabilitation, 307 N Franks St., Sturgis, MI, 49091. Attn: Business Office – Ned Bale Giving Fund.
