Joseph Balk

Balk, Joseph, May 21, 1921 – January 30, 2018, beloved husband of the late Ruth Balk for 71 years, beloved brother of Isabelle Schultz (Abraham), Marian Zeid (Irvin) and the late Anne Baum (Irvin), beloved son of the late Sam and Rose Balk.

Loving Uncle to 9 nieces and nephews, 19 great nieces and nephews and 12 great, great nieces and nephews. Dear brother-in-law, cousin and friend to all.

Joe served our country in WWII in the Army as a lineman in the signal core overseas in Europe. After the war, Joe found a lifelong career at Hussman Corporation, where he worked his way up from an entry level position in the engineering department to being promoted to Chief Engineer. Although he did not have children of his own, Joe loved kids and was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts. He made life-long friends everywhere he worked.

In his retirement, Joe enjoyed volunteer work at the Parkway School District’s Adult Education Program for over 25 years teaching English as a second language to international students.

Joe was a loving, gentle man who enjoyed people. The most important thing to him of all, was his family. All of the nieces and nephews adored the woodworking projects he would make, the crafty gifts he gave, and the fun that they had just being with him. Giving his time to anyone who needed it, always with a smile on his face was his greatest gift of all. He will be so dearly missed!

Funeral services will be at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Boulevard at 10 AM on Friday, February 2nd. Graveside services will follow at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South Road. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

Shiva information: The family will observe shiva for one day only, Friday, February 2, at The Gatesworth, 1 McKnight Place, St. Louis, MO 62124 from 11:45 AM to 5:00 PM in the Club West Room. Please enter at the West Wing Entrance of 1 McKnight Place.