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Joseph Balser Obituary

Joseph W. Balser, 70

Joseph W. Balser, 70, of Casa Grande, AZ, died December 17th, 2011, at the Arizona Heart Institute in Phoenix, AZ from surgical complications.

Born December 31, 1940 in Lafayette, Indiana he was the first son of the late Joseph W. Balser Sr. (Bill) and Margaret (Hayes) Balser.

He was a 1958 graduate of Jefferson High School and a 20-year veteran of the United States Navy, retiring after a successful career as an Aviation Technician. Post retirement he worked in the defense contracting industry for IBM, Gates Leer Jet, Hydromill and Teledyne Aeronautical.

Mr. Balser married his wife of 52 years, Madonna Becht of Lafayette, in 1959, she survives.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Michele Margaret Balser (1981) and a grandson Joshua Switzer (2001).

He is survived by; a daughter Monica Switzer (husband Chester) of Athens, GA, a son Anthony (Tony) Balser (wife Dee and daughter Megan) of Casa Grande, AZ, and a grand daughter Jessica Switzer of Athens, GA.

He is also survived by four siblings, Valerie Felty of Elizabeth City, NC, Lynn Wimberly (husband Allen) of Lafayette, IN, John Balser (wife Elaina) of Valparaiso, IN, and Millie Harrell (husband Tom) of Grovetown, GA.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Tucson, AZ and St. Boniface Catholic Church in Lafayette, IN; a member of the Knights of Columbus 8074 and 2308 Councils in Tucson AZ, and a member of VFW Post 4828, Royston, GA.

A private family service is planned in Tucson AZ.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal & Courier on Jan. 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Balser

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January 14, 2012

My deepest sympathy to Madonna,Monica and Tony,your loss is like a loss of a brother more so than a nephew to me
UNCLE RON

Sorry John and Millie, a little before your time!

January 8, 2012

Madonna,Monica,Tony, Jesica,Chester, Dee and Megan, My prayers for your peace continue daily.
Joe, my big brother, the oldest of Bill and Margaret's brood---Oh how I regret that we did not have more converstations as adults. However, I do have many memories of when I was young, especially the summers when I was 4&5. I remember the bus trips to Purdue for my speach therapy. After the session, you would take my to Lynn Hall for ice cream, spending our return fare on a sweet treat. We would then have to walk home, and almost every time you would end up carrying me at least part of the way home.!
I love you more than you ever knew, and will miss you more that I can say.
Blessings and peace to us all. Peace to you until we meet again.
The middle one--Lynn

Steven Balser

January 8, 2012

Rest in Peace Uncle Joe. Thanks for the laughs & fond memories.

January 7, 2012

Our sympathies, Madonna. We were so sorry to read about Joe in the paper. I have attempted to call you but was unable to reach you. Please call me when you have some time. Thanks. Duke and Betty

Erik Balser

January 7, 2012

Uncle Joe, I have the fondest of memories with you... I looked up to you more than I had ever expressed. I will miss you forever, and I will carry my memories for eternity. To Madonna, Monica, Tony,and Jessica, I love you all and I know how great this loss is for you. Your Husband/Father/Grandfather was a truly great man... And to the Balser clan, especially my father, my heart is with you; we lost a great man. Rest in peace Uncle Joe...

January 7, 2012

Sincere sympathy, Madonna and family. Prayers.
LaVaughan ( Harrington) Evans
Class of 58

Mike Koning

January 7, 2012

Joe introduced me just two months before our graduation to my wife of over 50 years, Pat Anderson.

Bob Helm

January 6, 2012

Madonna and Joe's family and friends: sorry for your loss.

Bob Helm(class of 58)

Your little Brother

January 6, 2012

Rest in peace big brother.. until we meet again.

January 6, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the loved ones of "Joe Bill" He was always loved as the first grandchild of my parents.
Aunt Marilyn

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