Major Edward L. Bialon – Hardin, Mont., formerly of Monongahela

Major Edward L. Bialon
HARDIN, Mont., formerly of Monongahela
Major Edward L. Bialon, U.S. Army Retired, died in Billings, Mont. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 at the age of 72. Ed graduated from Monongahela High School in 1965 and was an Eagle Scout. He went on to graduate college from Penn State University in 1969 and earned an MBA from the University of Utah in 1977. Ed was drafted into the Army after college. He completed Officer Candidate School and was assigned to Augsburg, Germany. Baby Josh was born in Germany and Little Betsy was born eight years later in the United States. The family zig-zagged across the nation for the next 15 years, as Ed was stationed at various places across the U.S. Ed was an avid runner. He won the Marine Corp Marathon and ran the Boston Marathon, completing both races in just over three hours. Ed loved all sports and coached both of his children in soccer, baseball, gymnastics and basketball. Ed supported his children in everything that interested them, even participating himself in sports like judo, tae kwon do and on holiday runs. He was a die-hard Steelers and Penn State fan! Ed retired from the Army in St. Louis, Mo. The family had spent a large portion of their life there and he enjoyed St. Louis. Ed was a staunch supporter of the St. Vincent DePaul Society in St. Louis. He loved to go back and visit and spend time with his son Josh and grandson James. Ed and Joan eventually retired to Joan’s family farm in Pennsylvania. As in all of Ed’s endeavors, he immersed himself completely in his new life. He drove tractors, pulled wells and sold produce at farmer’s market. As a child, he spent a significant amount of time at his father’s milking parlor and the farm brought him back to his beginnings. Ed was a staunch Catholic and attended Mass often. He was a very active member of the Knights of Columbus, earning his 4th degree. Ed and Joan eventually sold the farm to Joan’s cousin in the fall of 2018. They moved to Hardin, Mont., to be closer to their daughter. Her extended family through marriage to Travis Bastrom, welcomed Joan and Ed. He was always a kid at heart and a great tease. He spent the last months of his life swimming and playing with his Montana grandchildren. Ed is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan; his son Josh; and his daughter Betsy. Ed leaves behind three wonderful grandchildren, James Bialon and Gracie and Katie Bastrom. Ed was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Cornelison; his father Ed Bialon; and his beloved sister, Kathy France who died in 2001. Kathy’s surviving family was a source of great joy for Ed. He loved spending time with his brother in-law Jack France, with whom he attended high school, and his nieces Amber and Amanda. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 710 N. Custer Ave, Hardin, Mont. 59034.