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FUNERAL HOME
126 Third Street Northeast
Mason City, Iowa
Jay Balek Obituary
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2009, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, with the Rev. James Magelssen officiating. Burial will be in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today (Wednesday, April 29) at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Jay Balek Memorial Fund.
Jay Michael Balek was born June 13, 1984, in Mason City, beloved son of Larry and Sue (Pixley) Balek. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City.
Jay graduated from Mason City High School in 2003. He met the love of his life, Lauren Semler, as a senior in high school on a music scholarship visit to Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Lauren and Jay attended Wartburg together, both graduating in 2007. They were married July 21, 2007, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City and made their home in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where Jay worked for Mudd Advertising.
As a youth, Jay participated in Boy Scouts, youth baseball, basketball and football. A lifelong sports fan, Jay followed his favorite teams including the Seattle Supersonics, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Vikings and Iowa Hawkeyes.
Jay was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, participating in youth groups, mission trips, worship music, teaching Sunday school or whatever needed to be done.
Jay began playing the saxophone in elementary school, participating in band and jazz band through junior high, high school and college. He was selected to participate in many honor bands and also played in the Mason City Municipal Band.
Jay was a two-time Iowa All-State Musician and performed with bands touring Europe twice and Japan once. "SaxyJay" loved to play his saxophone and continued to play as an adult with his college friends in their band, Funk Lotion.
Jay loved fishing and enjoyed annual fishing trips to northern Minnesota starting at the age of 4. He became a golfer in junior high and spent many happy hours on the golf course playing with his friend, Eric, or whoever might be there and meeting many interesting people.
He was an avid movie fan and enjoyed playing cards and board games with family and friends. Jay was most happy spending time with his wife, Lauren, and dog, Ruby.
Jay made many friends working at Hy-Vee, the Mason City Parks Department, as an intern for the Mason City Chamber of Commerce and Mudd Advertising. While at Wartburg College, he participated in Wind Ensemble, Knightliters Jazz Band, Student Alumni Council, Phi Beta Lambda and many mission trips. He met many wonderful people during his years at Wartburg.
Jay will be greatly missed by his wife, Lauren, of Cedar Falls; his parents, Larry and Sue Balek, and brother Jeff Balek, Mason City; paternal grandmother, Lucille Balek, Mason City; Godparents, Terry and Mary Balek and Steve and Becky Tosel, all of Mason City; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his special in-laws, Craig and Mary Lou Semler and brother-in-law, Scot Semler of Hampton; best friends, Eric Bell of Chicago, and Trevis Young of Troy, S.C.; and his beloved black Lab, Ruby.
Jay was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Merrill Balek; maternal grandparents, Robert and Verna Mae Pixley; and cousin, Daniel Beeson.
Jay lived each day to the fullest. He was a very caring and considerate man whose strong faith kept him positive day to day. He was quick to share his friendship and was eager to help everyone.
"What you give in life comes back one-hundred fold" … the outpouring of love and support from so many throughout Jay's illness is a true reflection of what he gave in life to all of us. He wanted to make a difference and there is no doubt that he did. "You are our hero, Jay. You truly did LIVE STRONG".
"You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all he has left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see him, or you can be full of memories you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live in yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he is gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on."
We will always love and miss you, Jay, until we see you again.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 641-423-2372. www.colonialchapels.com
Memories and Condolences
for Jay Balek
Gloria Trueblood
May 16, 2009
I did not know Jay as an adult but do remember him as a child coming into Country Kitchen with his father. One memory sticks out in my head; Larry was helping me move a refrigerator into my apartment and the boys were along to 'help'. Some water spilled from the bottom of the fridge and Jay yelled, "look out, dad! It's monster blood!" Larry and I joked about it for years after. I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you and keep you close.
Iver Iverson
May 5, 2009
What a moving tribute of an obituary! I logged on to send my condolences but I ended up being consoled about "life." Jay must have been a remarkable fellow, and I am sorry I never got to meet him. Sue, Bev, and family, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jacque Novak
May 2, 2009
Jay was truly a blessing to all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His joy and hope were evident in everything he did. He was truly a special person. My sympathy and prayers go out to Lauren and all those who dearly loved Jay. He will be missed.
John Wiedenheft
May 1, 2009
My heart goes out to Jay's family in their time of need. I will miss Jay and the laughter he brought to the music wing at MCHS and the smiles he brought to everyone's life. Thank you Jay for brightening our lives.
May 1, 2009
I forgot to sign my entry (email is [email protected]) I am Dorothy Dwan Selzer - Waukesha, WI
Thanks
May 1, 2009
I did not know Jay but I was so moved by the beautiful thoughts expressed about looking back or looking forward. They brought tears. How sad that there were not more years for this young man. By the way, I knew and baby-sat for Walter Balek (former deputy sheriff) in Mason City quite a few years ago. Any relationship there?
April 30, 2009
Jay was special to EACH of you and to his world. He is very SPECIAL to his CREATOR and that why he was called to return to his CREATOR. May you know God's peace and comfort at this time of separation. Sister Maureen Smith, OSF
Therese (Reicks) Gansen
April 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May you remember how special Jay was and carry on his love for life. May you touch others the way that Jay has touched so many people.
Josh Foster
April 30, 2009
I first met Jay in 1st grade at Harding Elementary (the old one, of course), and knew him all the way through high school at MCHS, especially as a fellow band mate. He was a great guy and will definitely be missed.
Mary & Chelsi O'Donnell
April 29, 2009
Larry and Family, We are so very sorry and saddened at the loss of Jay. He was one in a million. He will be greatly missed. May God wrap His loving arms around you at this time. Will be thinking and praying for all of you.
Diane Kriener
April 29, 2009
My prayers are with Jay's family and friends. Jay was a wonderful young man that touched many lives. He will be missed by many.
Joni Munson
April 29, 2009
To Lauren and Jay's family:
I am so sorry to hear about Jay's passing. I went to school with Jay from elementary thru high school and was also in band with him. He was a very talented young man by far one of the few out there. I also worked with his grandparents at good shephard so I was always hearing stories about their Jay. You did a remarkable job on raising him and may God be with you at this time
April 29, 2009
Larry and Family,
We are sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve&Connie Jennings
Nikki Jo Nagel (Wood)
April 29, 2009
I worked with Jay at Hyvee, he was an amazing person. Always went out of his way to make someone laugh. May God be with Jay's family and friends in this difficult time.
Courtny (Dahl) Trappe
April 29, 2009
Jay was truly a great friend and an awesome person to work with! He will be very much missed! My thoughts and prayers are with his family!
Wendy Davis
April 29, 2009
A truly great person~hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget! That is Jay! Our deepest sympathies to everyone that knew and couldn't help but love Jay!
Richard & Wendy Davis
April 29, 2009
My prayers are with Jay's family. I am thankful for having played in band with Jay during high school and college. He was and continues to be an inspiration in the music room and beyond.
Shell Balek, OSF
April 29, 2009
In gratitude for the GIFT Jay's life has been to me and so many...And in the memories, his life continues to be gift. My prayers are with you all, that you may know God's comfort and peace at this time. Many others are also holding you in special prayer; Fr. David is traveling to Lourdes this day for a week and has promised to hold the whole family in special prayer. I will miss being there in person these most difficult days but know I am there in spirit. "Life is a corridor; death merely a door."
Love and prayerful support.
Jill & Dave Shaulis
April 29, 2009
Our hearts go out to Lauren & Jay's entire family. He has had a profound influence on my son (Scott Kempel), and bless his heart for trying to 'neaten' his living habits! Larry & Sue, what a wonderful son you raised--yours is a loss we simply can not imagine. Lauren, what a perfect match you were. I will always remember the wonderful laughter you & Jay shared. All whom met Jay were truly blessed! Our deepest sympathies.
Shelby (Gallagher) Dwyer
April 29, 2009
I knew Jay through working at Hy-Vee and attending Trinity. Jay always had a smile on his face and was kind to everyone he met! It is a sad day to see him go, but know that he is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Pam & Rod Rasmussen
April 28, 2009
Dear Sue, Larry, Jeff & Lauren,
May you all take heart knowing Jay is in God's loving care. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Erin Henderson
April 28, 2009
I had the great honor of meeting Jay in my time spent working at Hy-Vee East in Mason City. He was that friendly smile that made my first day of work in a new place seem so less overwhelming! He was a kind and generous person and truly liked by anyone who met him. All who knew him are blessed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time, always remember the good times together and all that he taught you and find comfort in knowing that he's resting peacefully and watching over you waiting to meet you once again.
April 28, 2009
To Lauren and the family of Jay,
I only knew Jay breifly, through Mihori--& Lauren, but he always impressed as such a warm individual, and easy to get to know. Our symapathies to you, Lauren and Jay's family.
Judy & John Johnston
Waverly,Iowa
Charlotte & Rick
April 28, 2009
We are so sad for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jordan O'Donnell
April 28, 2009
My heart was deeply saddened when I heard of Jay's passing. Jay was one of the kindest and most caring souls I have had the honor of knowing. He always greeted everyone he met with a warm smile and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jay's wife Lauren, his beloved family, and all those who had the honor of knowing and loving Jay. May peace be brought to you in this great time of sorrow knowing that Jay is resting peacefully among the angels and will always be watching with loving eyes from heaven.
Kate Hunt
April 28, 2009
Although Jay and I were never close friends, his leadership and talents among Wartburg students was easy to see. His ability to make others laugh, lend a hand, and care for Wartburg students with open arms was unlike many that I have met.
I remember while running a state representative race of another Wartburg student, Jay sent me a heartfelt email wishing us luck. That email meant a lot to me. Jay's ability to show support for things that he believed in was obvious.
My heart goes out to Lauren, Jay's family, friends, and the Wartburg community that loved him. It is a sad day for Wartburg and for Iowa in losing such a wonderful person who touched the lives of many.
Paul DiMarco
April 28, 2009
I worked with Jay at Mudd Advertising. He was everything an employer and fellow employee would want - a hard worker and friend to many. He will be missed in many ways around here.
Courtney Kohler
April 28, 2009
My thoughts and prays are with Jay's friends and family. I had the pleasure of attending school with Jay from elementary school through high school and never met a person so kind, positive, and talented. He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by many.
Brent Matthias
April 28, 2009
Jay Balek could light up any room! He had a great sense of humor and deep sense of compassion. It was great to see him grow at Wartburg and then to work along side him at Mudd. He always made me laugh at work and made me remember how precious every moment is.
Prayers, Blessings and Love to his family.
Gary Kroeger
April 28, 2009
"...I think that if I touched the earth it would crumble. It is so sad and beautiful so tremulously like a dream."
I knew you for too short a time, dear sweet Jay, but you touched my heart so profoundly that you will now live with me the rest of my life and you will continue to touch everyone that I meet.
Becky Mather
April 28, 2009
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jay's passing. I worked with him for 2 years at Mudd Advertising. I am much older then Jay, but we became very good friends because we had both dealt with cancer.
Jay was an incredible person, warm, friendly and unbelieveably strong. He handled every new twist with such dignity and grace.
I feel so blessed to have been his friend. My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife and family.
Mark and Julie Hove
April 28, 2009
Larry and family,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss and want you to know we are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Kate Hickman
April 28, 2009
Larry, Sue, & Lauren, friends and family:
Everyone who knew Jay, who KNOWS Jay, is gifted with memories of a truly extraordinary young man with an amazing heart, unbelievable talent, and incredibly quick wit :)
I met Jay when he was a tiny little freshman in band at mchs. he was so little with his adorable baby face. haha. he, of course, sprouted that very next year to tower over most of us (except for maybe Aaron Martell :)).
He was so fun to be around in symphonic band, and I especially remember jazz band trips and "the breakfast club" before practice...the little kick he used to do right after throwing the bowling ball down the lane, his ladies man impressions.
There are so many great memories with Jay that we all share, and special ones to keep to ourselves, perhaps, but we all know what an amazing spirit he is.
My deepest sympathies to all of you. I know right now there are few words that are truly comforting during a time like this one, but know there are many people who are here for support in any way that is needed.
Nathan Shannon
April 28, 2009
Larry, Sue and Jeff...I was deeply saddened when JoAnne called me yesterday to tell me that Jay had passed away. I remember always coming over to your house to play video games and going to the pool in the summer. He was always such a great person, and always a friendly face to everyone. I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
...Your old neighbor.
April 27, 2009
My thoughts are with Jay's family and wife. I had the pleasure of knowing Jay throughout middle school and high school and will always remember him with warm thoughts and as person who had great talent, personality and heart. God Bless.
Alisha Barr West Des Moines, IA
Scott Kempel
April 27, 2009
Living with Jay I saw more of him than most would have liked to in many ways but certainly would have enjoyed more. I would not have chosen anyone else to share so much time, love, nudity, and applesauce with. My deepest sympathy to all who shared Jay's love.
Mike & Judi Balek
April 27, 2009
Larry, Sue and Family, what a privilege it was for anyone to have known Jay. Our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Lindsay (Tiedeman) George
April 27, 2009
There are no words to express my sadness when I learned of Jay's passing. He will truely be missed by all who's lives he touched. I was honored to know him and consider him a friend and role model. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Whitney Free
April 27, 2009
I was always happy to run into Jay on campus at Wartburg and share a few classes with him. He brought laughter and a comforting presence to any room he walked into. Seeing him and Lauren together reminded me that soulmates really exist - they were so fun to be around, and I don't know anyone who wouldn't agree they were meant to be together. I will always remember watching Jay as part of Funk Lotion and how much fun they made any venue they played at. It was (and will always be) obvious how much his friends love him. I thank God for the memories Jay gave me and for the reminder that life is too short to be sad or neglect to tell your loved ones what they mean to you.
All my love, thoughts & prayers go to Lauren, Jay's family (who raised an amazing young man), and his hundreds of friends and acquaintances who had the privilege of being part of his entirely too short life on this earth. I hope more than anything else that this difficult time can also be a time to celebrate his life and realize what is important in our own.
Jen Noe
April 27, 2009
Even though I didn't get a chance to know Jay and Lauren very well my freshman year at Wartburg, I will never forget all the fun and memorable things we did together. Japan during May Term was amazing! I really got to know all of the seniors a lot better and there were just so many things to do and see. I particularly remember Jay dancing up and down the bus aisle to our Good Morning song. We all had such a good time squished together on those charter busses. Thank you for all the memories and God bless your family with strength, love and peace as you all get through the days ahead. I love you Lauren and Jay! Thank you!
Terri Sue & Mike Lowe
April 27, 2009
Larry & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathleen Anderson
April 27, 2009
I will always remember Jay as a guy who was nice to everyone. I had several classes with Jay from middle school thru high school and he was just so positive all the time. I want to express my deepest sympathy to his friends and family. He truly made his mark in this world.
April 27, 2009
Dear Lauren,
Though we have only been neighbors for a short time, you feel like family to us.
Jay was always very friendly and helpful towards us.
Many mornings when I was backing out of my driveway, I could see Jay through your share room picking out clothes for the day. I will miss seeing him.
There are no words to help the sorrow
you are going through but know we have you in our hearts.
Please let us help you in anyway.
Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
~Walt&Sherry Ertz~
Cedar Falls
Alaina Goos
April 27, 2009
Remembering Jay in his brightest moments at Wartburg - as a talented musician, dedicated student, and loyal friend. To his close friends and family - you have my sympathy. He will be dearly missed.
Alex Hanna and Amy Schrader
April 27, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Jay. He will be deeply missed. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Mindy (Fischer) Gress
April 27, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Jay's family and friends during this difficult time. I worked with Jay at Mudd Advertising for a short time and was fortunate to have experienced his inspirational outlook on life. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
April 27, 2009
Our hearts go out to you. We thank God for Jay, for all the love he gave, and all that he accomplished in his time on earth. While we mourn your loss, we rejoice that he is no longer in pain and that he was surrounded by his loved ones as he passed. May you be surrounded by God’s loving and healing presence in the coming days.
Love and peace,
Michelle (Ries), Orlando, Orly, Graciela, Michael, and Emelia Reyes
Dave Balek
April 27, 2009
You will be remembered by me everytime I hear the sax. You accomplished more, saw more,in your short life compared to so many of us. Your life was a good example of how to live for the moment, and that life itself is truly short.
Sue Seely
April 27, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to Jay's family at this very difficult time. My daughter, Brittany Fedders, and Jay were good friends all through school and enjoyed many meaningful church trips together. Jay was a wonderful, high spirited young man who positively impacted all who knew him. We are so thankful to have had him in our lives and to know now that he suffers no longer. love from Brittany Fedders and family
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Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels, Crematory, & Cemetery - Mason City126 Third Street Northeast, Mason City, IA 50401
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