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BORN
2000
DIED
2016
Joseph Balko Obituary
During his short life, Joseph finished everything he started. He finished Boy Scouts with the rank of Eagle Scout. He finished his freshman year at Monroe Catholic High School with highest honors. And Joseph finished his last race with a time of 13 minutes and 10 seconds. Joseph's love for his family and the Alaska outdoors was only surpassed by his love of service to his classmates, his teammates and everyone around him.
The Balko family would like everyone to know Joseph was never in any pain. We had time to say goodbye, we were able to hug him, talk to him and cry buckets and buckets of tears over him.
In heaven, Joseph will be watching over his parents, Kathleen and Jim; his brothers, Michael, 21, and Christian, 17, and his many family members as well as all the friends who he touched with his incredible joy.
The Balko family would like to express our thanks for all the generosity, prayers, love and support that the Fairbanks community has poured on us during this time. We feel abundantly blessed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Monroe Foundation in memory of Joseph Balko: P.O. Box 71620, Fairbanks, AK 99707.
Please visit www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsminer to sign an online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Balko
May 17, 2019
I remember our time together when he and Christian came for a week during their spring break to visit Michael at SJU. From the first moment I met him I know Joseph was a gentle soul who touched everyone with a ray of light from the time he met them. I have a picture of Joseph, Christian, Michael and S. Stephanie and I by the grotto at St. Ben's. I think of him often when I pass the grotto and am reminded that we all have an angel in heaven watching over us...and cheering us on to "finish our race" to heaven too!
Blessings,
S. Sharon Nohner
Bill and Cheryl Wood
May 29, 2016
Our families have crossed paths in scouts and in track. We are so very sorry about Joseph's passing. We come to learn that all life is precious and we never know when it will be the last time to see or speak with our loved ones. This is a wake up call for all of us. Praying for the Comforter to come to you as you grieve. All our love and blessings.
Laurie Hierath
May 28, 2016
Kathleen,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs -- Laurie Hierath
Bobbie Barnes
May 28, 2016
Dear Balko Family,
I am so sorry for your devastating loss. Parents should never have to suffer losing a child. I pray that your fond memories of Joseph will warm your hearts and ease your pain.
My sincerest condolences,
Bobbie Barnes
Valerie Marshall
May 27, 2016
I am so sorry to hear about Joseph passing away. Had a lot of good times with your boys and my kids together during their younger years. Also enjoyed Joseph when he was in our Preschool class. He was always so polite and helpful. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.
J G
May 27, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Joseph, but after reading his story I wanted to take a moment to express my condolences for such an especially sad loss. To lose a child is beyond my comprehension; your pain must be immeasurable. May the scripture at 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14 bring you comfort as you reflect on your loss. And may the God of comfort be with you during this difficult time.
Peg Charlie
May 27, 2016
Hugs Coach!! I'm not sure what to say at this time. Just know that you and your family is in our prayers and that tears were dropped even though we didn't know your son. God bless you and take care in the days to come.
Wells Family
May 27, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Although your hearts are filled with pain and sorrow, our prayer is that you gain comfort and hope from God's promise to reunite us with our love ones on the earth, never having to say goodbye again. For Jesus will make this earth the problem-free paradise that His Father intended it to be. We have gained comfort and strength from this promise, may your family do the same.
May 26, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
Jim Nolin
May 26, 2016
Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you and your family. Joseph was the most kind hearted young men I have ever known. We are so sorry
Jim, Tiffany, and Alex
Gerrie Jauhola
May 26, 2016
Kathleen & Boys, I remember you coming to see Bishop Kettler with gifts & smiles when I was working for him. You are a wonderful family & Joseph would want you to keep smiling. God bless you all.
May 26, 2016
We are profoundly sorry for your loss. The Balko family are a tremendous inspiration to the entire Fairbanks community. Your boys are true role models and shining examples of God's love. It sounds like Joseph was an amazing and generous person. He will be deeply missed.
Your family is in our prayers,
Rob, Rebekah, Jake, and Bethany Kinder
Fred Villa
May 26, 2016
Jim, Kathleen and family,
Our heartfelt condolences. May the peace and love of God fill the emptiness in your hearts, recognizing that Joseph completed his mission on earth and can now pray for you in heaven.
Cookie Carlson (Balko)
May 26, 2016
We are so terribly shocked by this tragedy and are so happy to have had him share our arrival last year when we came to visit. He was a delightfully open and forthcoming young man - a wonderful nephew. Our love and prayers go out to my brother Jim and his family. You are all always in our prayers. Love, Cookie and Paul
Maria Senra
May 26, 2016
My thoughts and prayers for your family
Tiffany Corrigan
May 25, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow. Joseph was a remarkable young man and will be forever in the hearts of those blessed to know him.
May 25, 2016
I am deeply saddened by your loss I cannot even imagine how painful it must be. I was at the meet and tried to help the best I could as everyone there did. God blessEdie Welch r.n. from Maine
May 25, 2016
Dear Kathleen, Jim, Michael and Christian,
Words cannot express the deep sadness we have here at CSB upon the news of your dear son and brother Joseph's death. Seeing his picture brings back our meeting in March on the CSB campus...lunch, tour and visit with three amazing young men. Joseph's gentle spirit and kind smile is the gift I will cherish. Know that all the Benedictine Sisters here at the monastery are holding you all in prayer. May Joseph continue to shine down upon you and all who knew him. Blessings,
Sister Sharon Nohner
Kathy Larson
May 25, 2016
Dear Balko Family,
I am so sorry for your profound loss. Joseph was one of my daughter's classmates when she attended ICS. We have not seen or thought of him in years, but I still remember him as a kind, sweet boy. It sounds like he grew into an amazing young man who touched many lives. God bless you all.
May 25, 2016
My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. May you find comfort in your memories.
Melanie
Dan Shepard
May 25, 2016
You have my deepest sympathies and condolences.
May 25, 2016
Jim, Kathleen, Michael & Christian,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences. Your family is in our hearts, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Calvin, Michelle, Marissa & Zach Myhill
May 25, 2016
Coach and Kathleen,
We send our heartfelt sympathies at the loss of your beloved son, Joseph. I can still see him with Christian and Michael playing in the gym on those days when they were able to come to school with their dad. What a wonderful, joyful noise they raised as they played basketball and had free access to all of the things that little boys love!
All of you will be in our prayers, not only during this difficult time, but forever, just as Joseph will forever be in the hearts of the many people who loved him so much.
Sincerely,
Cynthia and Stu Sibitzky
May 25, 2016
Jim, My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Jon McCoy
May 25, 2016
Such a tragic loss for the family, friends and community of Fairbanks. I did not know Joseph personally, but everything I have learned is what a truly decent person he was. I am so sorry for everyone who will miss him every day, but am glad there is comfort in the prayers and thoughts being sent. Take care of each other...
Susie B.
Carol Ann Wallin-Gaddis
May 25, 2016
Kathleen I am SOOOO sorry to hear of your loss. Please know of my prayers for you and your family
Carol Ann (Wallin) Gaddis
Jennifer Hodges
May 25, 2016
What a beautifully done obituary for a sweet young man. My daughter, Grace, knew Joseph and our family was touched by the Balko family as members of the Monroe community. We are so saddened by this loss and would like the Balko Family to know that they are in our prayers and thoughts. I hope in your most difficult days that you feel these loving thoughts and prayers.
May you find peace and comfort.
Love,
Chris, Jennifer, Grace, and Christopher Hodges
Marianne Guffey
May 25, 2016
My son, Rodney, and I were heartbroken to hear of Joseph's death.
He was an amazing young man and will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with your family.
Barb Tolliver
May 25, 2016
I'm at a loss for words. God love you with kindness, understanding, and tenderness. He is in heaven no doubt. Tons of love and prayers. Barb & Chris
Tim & Annemarie Stack
May 25, 2016
Jim & Kathleen,
Am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tammy Tragis-McCook
May 25, 2016
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.
Lori Mertes
May 25, 2016
We are so very sorry for your loss
Know we are thinking of your family and wrap you in our hearts and hugs
Love
Mike, Lori and family
May 25, 2016
Dear Balko Family,
Joseph's love and sweetness will always stay in my memories. He was kind.
When he came to help me with my yard, he
was always ready tackle the task. If there was something new, he would learn. Never gave up saying he cannot do it. He wanted to learn and he did.
Just like when he finished his last finish line. His determination will inspire me for the rest of my life.
I am sending my sincere condolences to your family.
Maria Schmidt
Kent Steele
May 25, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to your family in this difficult time.
Jo Kuchle
May 25, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the Balko family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Therriault Family
Meghan Larsen-Reidy
May 25, 2016
We are sending so much love and so many prayers your way. We wish we could be there to celebrate the life of such a kind and loving person. Saint Joseph pray for us. Love, Meghan, Tim, Ruth, and Baby #2
Loren Leman
May 25, 2016
Carolyn and I are especially touched by Joseph's death. We offer our condolences to his family and to our many friends in the Monroe Catholic School family. Our daughter Nicole ran the 3200 meter race through high school. She too left us far too young, but we are grateful for her life as we are of Joseph's.
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