Joseph J."Joe" Balok

Joseph J. "Joe" Balok, 88, Rockford, passed away peacefully, Thursday, September 11, 2014, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 18, 1926, in Kenosha, WI, the son of Joseph and Irma (Zvoda) Balok. Joe served in the Merchant Marines during WWII and after the war served with the Army Engineers. He married Bonnie Fenske in Kenosha on June 25, 1949. Joe was a 1953 graduate of Michigan State University in Lansing, MI and attended University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. He worked at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, WI and then was a territorial sales manager with Western Publishing Co. from 1956 until his retirement in 1986. Joe was a longtime member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday school for 35 years and was active on many committees and boards including serving as President of the congregation.
Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bonnie; his children, Joe (Evelyn) Balok of Suffolk, VA, Kim (Ron) Bateman of Wonder Lake, Michael (fiance, Maryellen Durka) Balok of Sausalito, CA, and Paul Balok of Plano, TX; his grandchildren, Joe Balok, Kelly (Kevin Talley) Bullard, Vincent Bullard, William Bullard, Daniel Balok, Haley Balok, Billy (Pam) Parker, Kelle Parker Minton, Ernie (Brandy) Parker, Kerry (David) Wilson, and Kyle (Marcia) Bateman; 11 great –grandchildren; former daughter–in-law, Linda Balok; many very special friends. Predeceased by his parents.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 27, 2014, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St. Rockford, Il 61107 with Reverend Tony Dusso officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Saturday at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private family burial at a later date. Memorials may be made to Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com