He served from 1946 to 1952, and was wounded while in Korea. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart. Following his military service, he returned to Fremont where he was employed by Hormel's for 38 years.
Joe was a life long member of St. James Episcopal Church where he had been active as an usher. He was a member of VFW Post 854, and a past commander of American Legion Post 20. He had been a member of the Fremont Honor Guard of the VFW and American Legion. He was a past commander of the Disabled American Veteran's Chapter 18, and was instrumental in starting a thrift store for the DAV. He and Eldon Karlin headed the committee to put Fremont's Eternal Flame in place, and Joe and Clayton Koch started Fremont's Avenue of Flags.
On December 12, 1952, he was married to Carolyn Andersen in the First Lutheran Church in Fremont.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Nick and Marguerite, a sister Margie Lou Riggs, a brother John Bales.
Survivors: wife - Carolyn
3 daughters - Patricia Bales, Judith and husband Keith Main, and JoAnne Bales, all of Fremont
2 sons - Joseph Bales of Grand Island
Dean Hendricks of California
6 grandchildren - April and husband Russ Leedom, Amber and husband Jamie Potter, P.J. Crawford,
Aubrei Luedtke, Maggie Sullivan, and Cassie Sullivan
4 great grandchildren
brother - Richard and wife Delores Bales of Fremont
The funeral service will be 11 AM Thursday (Dec. 23rd) at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel, Fremont, with Rev. Jay Gabb of St. James Episcopal Church officiating. The committal will follow in Ridge Cemetery with Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps and the Honor Guard of the Disabled American Veteran's Chapter 18. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be on Wednesday (Dec. 22nd) from 2 to 8 PM, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 PM.
online guest book at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(16)
Harry Simpson
Buckeye, AZ Thursday, April 22, 2021 Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.
Thank you Joseph for your service to this nation. U.S. marine Corps, Korean War.
Karl Heller
Tacoma, WA Monday, December 27, 2010 Your prayers are with you.Dona (Klein) Grover
Carson, Wa Sunday, December 26, 2010 Sorry to hear about Joe's passing. I went to school with Joe in Jr. High and he was the president of the 7th grade home room. Everyone liked him. I never had any contact with Joe after that as I married a Fremont man and moved to Wa. state in the early 50's. I lost my husband in 08.Shannon Volcek
Omaha, NE Sunday, December 26, 2010 JoAnne, Maggie, Cassie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Everytime I saw Joe he always had a smile for me and asking how I was doing. My sympathies and prayers go to you all during this difficult time.Jan & Carl Roberts
Atkinson, NE Thursday, December 23, 2010 We are so sorry for your loss. I have known Joe for many years, and he could always make me laugh. He helped so much with the veterans and will be missed by many people, but we will always remember the happiness he bought to us. The last year had been a struggle for him, he will be in peace now. Love to all of you.Scott Hennings, Gary Denniston and Randy Denniston
, Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Our deepest sympathy to you and the entire Bales family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Larry Austin
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Joe was agood man and a long time friendJulie Houser
Omaha, NE Wednesday, December 22, 2010 JoAnne - I am so sorry for your loss. Fond memories of your father are comforting as time goes on and the pain of his loss is replaced with peace. Julie HouserLori Cheshier
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 22, 2010 To Patti and the rest of the Bales family, My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this difficult time. I can remember my dad speaking very highly of Joe. I never knew him personally but felt as though I did through conversation with my dad. He obviously was a very special individual. Patti, my prayers are with you. Lori Osterman CheshierLori Cheshier
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 22, 2010 To Patti and the rest of the Bales family, My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this difficult time. I can remember my dad speaking very highly of Joe. I never knew him personally but felt as though I did through conversation with my dad. He obviously was a very special individual. Patti, my prayers are with you. Lori CheshierLori Cheshier
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 22, 2010 To Patti and the rest of the Bales family, My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this difficult time. I can remember my dad speaking very highly of Joe. I never knew him personally but felt as though I did through conversation with my dad. He obviously was a very special individual. Patti, my prayers are with you. Lori CheshierNancy Furstenau Boyles
Fremont, NE Thursday, December 23, 2010 To Joe's family, I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was such a good man and always showed so much kindness to everyone. He was also funny as well as ornery. I remember when I accidently wrecked the old "Banana Wagon", boy he needled me about that one for years. He has done so much for Fremont, friends and family and will be missed sorely by everyone whose lives he touched. Nancy Furstenau BoylesO W "Bill" Smith
Bennington, NE Wednesday, December 22, 2010 We all lost a wonderful person with the passing of Joe. He was always available to help a fellow veteran. He will be missed. Our best wishes to all his family.Vernette AUfenkamp
Nickerson, Ne Thursday, December 23, 2010 Patty,I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Keep your memories close at heart and he will always be with you. VernetteJohn Dahlhauser Family
Fremont, NE Monday, December 20, 2010 You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Love to all!Kris Gustafson Farris
Marshalltown, IA Tuesday, December 21, 2010 To all the Bales family, I have a heavy heart today for the passing of Joe and what a wonderful neighborhood we grew up in. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, we will all meet again someday and tell stories of the past. Patti I hope you remembered to give your dad a big huge for me. God bless you.