Christopher M. Balkevich

On Saturday, November 22, Christopher Michael Balkevich entered into the Kingdom of God. He was just 48 years young-a devoted father to Kayla Rochwite (Ken), Gavin, and Scarlett, and a wonderful husband to Christine Balkevich.
Christopher was born in Martin, South Dakota on January 28th,1977 to Michael and Sally Balkevich. He was the oldest of four children Laura, Emily and Mary. Christopher graduated from Calvary Life Academy in West Bend. In high school he was part of the dive team and a youth ministry. Christopher was a hard worker and couldn't sit still. He worked at Quad Graphics, Equipment Rental and other various employers. Christopher loved his coffee, Star Wars, and WWE wrestling. He had various nicknames like old man and buddy.
Christopher gave so much-to his family, his church. He was an usher and on the council. He still found time to volunteer in his community. In earlier years he served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder to the St. Lawrence Fire Company for 5+ years. We will never forget the pride we felt watching him at the St. Lawrence Fireman's Picnic. Also, volunteering at HCSI or commonly known as Terror on Rural St in Hartford. He had volunteered there for 18 years.
Christopher meant the world to many. He shaped our learned love for dry humor and helped us find joy even on the hardest days. He was strong. He was tough. He felt invincible. He was diagnosed later in life (2019) with heart failure, and after open-heart surgery, an implanted defibrillator, and eventually needing continuous oxygen, life became a daily challenge but he NEVER stopped showing up. He continued to father his children with everything he had. He was so incredibly proud of each of them.
It brought him pure joy to see his family happy-to witness their accomplishments, their adventures, their laughter even when he lost in card games, and the ways each of them continued to grow. Their joy was his joy. Every blessing they experienced filled him with gratitude.
Christopher was goofy, cool, witty, and wonderfully unique. Anyone who didn't know him truly missed out. He was always willing to give until he couldn't. He loved spending time on coffee dates with his sister Laura and great friends Steve and Justin. Breakfast dates with the family and even taking his youngest daughter to their favorite coffee shop in the morning, Sippie Hippie.
Many of us like to imagine him finally breathing easy and in great health, hugging Jesus, enjoying Mom's cinnamon rolls, fishing and playing video games– and then doing what Christopher always did, making people laugh, asking questions and soaking up the stories. What a beautiful thought that he is finally surrounded by the fullness of God's glory and all the heroes of faith he loved learning about.
We hope you're taking it all in. We love you. We miss you. We will carry you with us always. Keep us safe down here as you watch from the sky above. As we hope we are making you proud. Well done thy good and faith servant. Rest in peace.
Christopher was preceded in death by his mother, Sally Balkevich, Uncle Tom Mikkelson, Grandfather LeRoy Mikkelson, Grandmother Darlene Mikkelson, Grandfather George Balkevich, Grandmother Virginia Balkevich, and by his father-in-law, Dick Blossom, and also his brother-in-law Jason Lisko. Christopher is survived by his loving wife, Christine Balkevich; his eldest daughter, Kayla (Ken); and his son Gavin and youngest daughter Scarlett. He is also lovingly remembered by his father, Michael Balkevich; his sister, Laura Cocos (Asher) and their children Vera, LeRoy, and Violet; his sister, Emily Balkevich, and her daughter Angelina; and his sister, Mary Ehr (Ben), and their children Cooper and Carter. Christopher is further survived by his sister-in-law, Sarah Schellinger (Kurt), and their daughters Abigail and Sophia, sister-in-law Tiffany Hartz (Andy), daughters Claria and Aria, Sister-in-law Janelle Phillip (Lee), and children Kody (Toni), Kelsey, Kenna. As well as his mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, Patricia and Steven Lisko. He is further survived by many more family and friends.
He leaves behind a large and loving family who will forever cherish his memory. As Christopher would say, "May the force be with you!"
A Special thank you to Slinger Fire Dept, Slinger Police Dept, Lifestar, and the team at West Bend Froedtert Hospital for your endless efforts. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family are appreciated.
A memorial service to celebrate Christopher's life will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Slinger with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until services. Inurnment will take place following the service.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com