Jerry Balik

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 2:57 pm

Jerry Balik, 66, of Spillville, died peacefully in his home Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, after a lengthy illness. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville with Father Robert Gross officiating. Organist was Doris Thompson. Soloist was Dan Silhacek. The St. Wenceslaus Choir also sang. Special music was “Never Alone” (Lindsi, Sara and Rebecca Franzen). Hymns were “Here I am Lord,” “Ave Maria,” “On Eagles Wings,” “Goin Home” and “Silent Night.” Lector was Lori Balik – Maldonado. Offertory gift bearers were Aaron, Lori, Ethan and Helen Maldonado. Casket bearers were Ken Jarosh, Tom Bernatz, Arnie Meyer, Dale Goettleman, Jeff Busta and Wayne Franzen. Interment was at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, in Spillville. Arrangements were handled by Balik Funeral Home, Spillville.
Jerry Joseph Balik was born Sept. 3, 1949, the son of Robert Joseph Balik and Helen (Bouska) Balik in Decorah. Jerry graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1968.
After high school, he started plumbing with his dad and continued doing that his whole life. Jerry had three children: Tonya, Jerita and Scott from his marriage to Anita Ludwig in 1973.
Later, he graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and worked for the Winneshiek County Sheriff Department, until he became the chief of police for Calmar. Jerry was also a volunteer fire fighter for both Calmar and Decorah. In retirement, Jerry enjoyed driving school bus for the South Winn sports teams. Jerry will be remembered as the South Winn’s Number One sports fan and for always having an endless supply of Tootsie Pops.
He was very generous in his actions and was always willing to help anyone in need. Jerry enjoyed making zelnicky, starting tomato plants and giving them to his friends and was always available to mow his neighbors’ lawns.
He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed attending auctions. Jerry served on the Spillville Board of Senior Housing and was a member of St. Wenceslaus Church and South Winn Country Club.
Jerry is survived by his three children: Tonya of Spillville, Jerita (Matt) Burreson of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and Scott of Spillville; his two grandchildren, Ava and Emma Burreson; and 10 siblings: Bobby (Cathy) Balik, Kalamazoo, Mich.; Tony (Jane) Balik, Cedar Rapids;  Kay Lowe, Conyers, Ga.; Joan Balik, Denver, Colo.; Ruth (Tom) Bernatz, New Hampton; David Balik, Marion; Mary Balik, New Orleans, La.;  Mark Balik (friend Paulette Doubek), Spillville; Steve (Terri) Balik, Spillville,; Lynn Balik, Alleman; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many special friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen.