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John Balana Obituary
John A. Balana, 60, of O'Fallon, Ill., born May 21, 1949, in Pittsburgh, Pa., passed away Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville, Ill.
Mr. Balana retired in 1989 from the U. S. Air Force and was currently employed at Scott Air Force Base. He was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in O'Fallon, Ill., and VFW Post 2280 in Bellevue, Neb.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph W. and Josephine, nee Leonardo, Balana; a brother, Nicholas J. Balana; and father-in-law, John Ferencz.
Surviving are his wife, Joanne, nee Ferencz, Balana of O'Fallon, Ill.; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Ferencz Kapral of Pittsburgh, Pa.; three brothers-in-law, John G. Ferencz of Harrisburg, Pa., Thomas R. Ferencz of Pittsburgh, Pa., and David J. Ferencz of Allentown, Pa.; sister-in-law, Donna P. Balana of Pittsburgh, Pa.; one nephew, Christopher M. Balana of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and one niece, Lisa A. Borodaty of California.
Memorials may be made to St. Nicholas Catholic Church Building Fund or in the form of Masses.
Visitation: Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church in O'Fallon, Ill.
Funeral: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a. m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, with Monsignor William Hitpas presiding. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pennsylvania.
WOLFERSBERGER FUNERAL HOME, O'Fallon, Ill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Balana
November 5, 2009
Our prayers and thoughts are with Joanna. John was a wonderful person and a hard worker.
The Wise Family
Paul & Betty Caliari
November 4, 2009
Our deepest amd most sincere sympathies go out to Joanne and her families.
Dan, Jewli, Daniel and Jaime Kolb
November 4, 2009
John was my husband’s first boss in the Air Force at Dyess AFB, in Abilene, TX. It was 1983; we were young and far away from home. John and his wife Joanne looked out for us and treated us like family. By 1987, we were both stationed at SAC Headquarters in Omaha, NE. Our friendship continued to grow. John & Joanne were a part of our family. They were there for Holidays (Christmas Eve was our special dinner out together), baptisms, first communions and our marriage blessing. They even stood up for our children when they were confirmed. Somehow, sadly, after we both moved away from the Omaha area our contact was mostly cards at Christmas. Now here we are at this sad, sad, time saying ‘goodbye’ to someone who meant so much to us. John, thank you for being such a good friend to our family. We will miss you. May God Bless you always.
Jim White
November 3, 2009
John never complained about his illnesses to any of us that knew him at work. He was passionate about his work and his beliefs. He never meet a stranger. Our lives are enriched from just knowing him. We'll miss him. Now you can rest.
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November 3, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I hope that the promises found in the Holy Scriptures like Isa 25:8, will bring you and your family a measure of comfort.
Sheri Capps
November 2, 2009
John was always a caring, thoughtful person and will truly be missed by all that knew him. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
PHIL ODOM
November 2, 2009
GOD has seen you struggling (with something), GOD says it's over.
SEMPER FI – FELLOW VETERAN -
THANK YOU - FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
You are one of our heroes.
We will remember you always and miss you dearly.
Take your Warrior's rest for a duty well done.
MARINE AND VIET NAM VET
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Wolfersberger Funeral Home - O'Fallon102 West Washington Street, O'Fallon, IL 62269
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