BORN
1951
DIED
2023
John Balma Obituary
John P. Balma Jr., 72, of Dalzell, passed away Friday, May 5, 2023, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Funeral services for John will begin at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 12, at the Barto Funeral Home, Spring Valley. The Rev. Ronald Margherio, O.S.B., will officiate. Visitation for John will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 11, at the Barto Funeral Home as well as for one hour before funeral services on Friday. Burial will be at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery.
John was born on March 26, 1951 to John and Bridget (Reeks) Balma. He married Ladys Ratkiewicz on November 18, 1972 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Dalzell.
John retired from the Illinois State Police District 17 as a master sergeant. He was also a long-time member of the Teamsters, the Dalzell Rod and Gun Club, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, the Angus Association, and the Illinois Beef Association. He had also served in the Army Reserves, based out of Peru.
John is survived by his wife, Ladys, of Dalzell; his son, Eric (Melissa) Balma of Granville; his two daughters, Dawn (Marcus) Stewart of Dalzell and Dana (Kyle) Bickett of Malden; and seven grandchildren, Taylor, Tori, Trevor, Riley, Cooper, Brynleigh, and Levi.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Serving as pallbearers will be Bob Suarez, Kim Mini, Marcus Stewart, Trevor Balma, Kyle Bickett, Kenny Balma Jr., and Joe Michelini.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
A guestbook may be signed and memories shared with the family by visiting bartofh.com.
Raymond Bonebrake
October 2, 2023
Condolence's to the Balma family.
It's been a lot of years since I seen John. He was always a great person to be round. I enjoyed the times being around his grandfather, his dad and him up at the supper club. Its been 50 years but seems like yesterday, RSP my friend.
Ray and Barbara Bonebrake
Thomas Gualandi
June 1, 2023
To the Balma family, I am so sorry for your loss. Anytime someone from Dalzell passes away it impacts the entire village. I remember John well. He was a good man & a great State Trooper.
Laura(Liesse)Rohman
May 18, 2023
Ladys sorry to here of John's passing. My condolences
Jim Faletti
May 16, 2023
So sorry to hear about Johnny's passing. I have such wonderful memories of when we were kids. Our deep sympathy and prayers for John and the entire family.
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Jeff Goodrick
May 14, 2023
So sad to have lost you. Only the good ones do.
Sandra Guerrini - Cahill
May 11, 2023
So many happy memories of John, his parents, and grandparents from the old neighborhood. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Ginny Foster
May 10, 2023
Truly a great guy! RIP Johnny B!
Ed Ruettiger
May 10, 2023
My thoughts & Prayers are with John and his Family at this time. God Speed brother, see you on the other side
Kani Bopes
May 10, 2023
My sincere condolences to John Balma's family and friends.
Joseph and Sarah Strait
May 9, 2023
We feel so bad for the Balma family. Praying for everyone.
Ken & Carrie Lenhart
May 9, 2023
Our hearts are just broken so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for the family and all who had the privilege to know this great man . Godspeed John RIP
Janice Bogusevic
May 9, 2023
My condolences to the Balma family. John was an outstanding individual and police officer.
Janice C. Bogusevic, D-17, retired.
Kelley Hulsey
May 8, 2023
John was an academy mate. Super nice guy, humble yet very knowledgeable.
Candi Johnsen
May 8, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for the entire family. Love and hugs. Candi Baker Johnsen and Jim Ward.
Gary Parnell
May 8, 2023
So sorry to hear about John. Our deepest sympathies. Gary and Julie Parnell
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