Jon Balasek Obituary

CHICO, Calif. - Memorial services will be held for Jon Michael Balasek, 42, of Chico, at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 5, at Grace Community Church. He died Thursday June 3, 2004, at his home, following a five-year battle with cancer.
Jon was born June 26, 1961, in Chico to Jerome and JoAnn Balasek. He graduated from Paradise High School in 1980 and from Cal State University, Chico, in 1985. Jon trained as a pilot locally and flew commuter airlines until being hired by Flying Tigers that later became Federal Express. He flew professionally for 11-years and finished his career as a 727 captain.
On July 22, 1995, he married Kathi Ann Gerke of Columbus, Mont. The couple lived in Chico, where Jon enjoyed hunting, fishing, building, flying and being outdoors. His biggest passion was being a father to Michael, Kayla, Camille, Maddy and Jesse. He was known for his kind, gentle spirit and was loved and respected by many.
Survivors include his wife, Kathi; children, Michael, Kayla, Camille, Madison and Jesse, all of Chico; his parents, JoAnn and Jerry Balasek of Paradise; a brother and sister-in-law, Kurt and Connie Balasek of Vacaville; a sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Andy Simonds of Boise, Idaho; nieces, Alexandra and Rebecca Balasek, Kendall, Kathryn and Tessa Simonds; and his loving Montana family. His maternal grandparents, Helen and Otto Oberst, and paternal grandparents, Martha and Jerome Balasek, predeceased him.
Memorial contributions may be made to Butte Home Health Hospice or the American Cancer Society in care of Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home and condolences may be sent online at nbcfh.com.

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Published by Billings Gazette on Jun. 4, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Jon Balasek

8 Entries

Robert Strange

June 12, 2004

I Know you're in a better place now, Jon. I regret that I didn't have a chance to get to know you better, growing up 2000 miles away, but the time we spent together I'll never forget. As a youngster I dreamed of being an airline pilot, so I always looked up to you. You always displayed maturity, responsibility, and focus; all the while possessing a frienldy demeanor. The courage you showed me the past five years eclipses all that. You will always be a hero in my book.

On this flight there is no descent...no final approach. Jon, my cousin, my friend...ASCEND.

Stephanie Toney

June 7, 2004

I just want the Balasek family to know that my thoughts and prayers are with them during this time. I only met Jon a short while ago when he became involved with the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. We will walk in his honor and memory on Saturday June 12th and keep his memory, his life, and his courage alive. To his sister Karen-you truly are an angel to finish what Jon started and could not. God Bless you and your family-you are in my thoughts. With love, Stephanie Toney

Jeff M.

June 5, 2004

I first met Jon when we flew together at WestAir. I remember what an extemely pleasant guy Jon was to be around. I got hired at Tigers a little before Jon did and was delighted when he was also able to join the company. We were both based in Oakland together at FedEx and it was always great to see him in the crewroom. While many pilots wore a scowl on their face at work, Jon was always smiling. My deepest condolences to the entire Balasek family. I can not begin to imagine how much you must miss him.

Kim Kirkhoven-Harris

June 5, 2004

My heart and prayers go out to you. I just met Jon a few weeks ago. He was a pleasure to meet. He is a courageous, strong man and he is in a better place now. I met his wife and two of his children. I met his Mom and sister too. They all are very caring and loving and my prayers are with them. I will miss Jon and am thankful for meeting him.

Madeline (Madge) Genna

June 4, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. My God take you in his loving arms and comfort you.

Love and prayers,

Madge

Debra Craine-Strange

June 4, 2004

Jon has taught me a great deal about life and how we should not put off living it for all that it is. Our time here is but a breath, over as quickly as it starts. I've stopped holding my breath.

I trust in God and His perfect plan, although I don't understand it, I know that He is in control.

God Bless you.

Debra

Richard (Dick) Strange

June 4, 2004

I'll always remember Jon as a caring,giving person who was so concerned with our grandson, Ryan, who was also experiencing the ravages of cancer at 4 years of age.

Even though he, himself was suffering from this terrible disease, his messages to Ryan were positive and tender and encouraging.

GOD BLESS JON MICHAEL BALASEK....

Lynette (Genna) Bettencourt

June 4, 2004

I am truely sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and thoughts pour out to you at this difficult time & those to follow. I had the pleasure to see John a few weeks ago at the Rocky Mt. Elk Foundation Banquet and have to say that even as sick as he had to have been he was still quite handsome and very pleasant to talk with. God Bless all his family and loved ones. May you find comfort strength in fond memories and through the Lord.

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