Gordon "Lee" Balka

Lee was born to Otto and June Balka, July 1945, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He grew up in Shelley, Idaho. After graduating from High School, he went on a LDS mission to Switzerland. On return to home, he attended college and graduated from University of Utah Medical School.
The Military was very important to him after serving over 36 years, of active duty and reserve time. He was in the Medical Corps and retired as a Colonel in 2006. He was associated with the US Army Medical Dept. Regiment, 7th Medical Command, 426th Medical Brigade, 328th General Hospital and the 96th Regional Support Command and many other units.
He worked as Medical Director at TATA Chemical Industrial Products formally known as General Chemical Industrial Products in Green River, Wyoming until his retirement in 2011.
Lee had a few favorite hobbies. One was watching football, professional football, no matter who was playing and well as college football games. You did not disturb him when watching football games. Lee's favorite team is the 49ers and may they win at Superbowl 2024. His second favorite was fishing at Flaming Gorge from May to Mid Sept. We spent every weekend at Flaming Gorge until he sold "Medicine Man". Lee also liked to go fishing for Marlin at Cabo San Lucas which we would catch and release, every year. Lee went Sail Fishing in Costa Rica with his sister, brother-in-law and me. That was a highlight for him. Lee also loved his dogs and many were rescued.
Lee was a very generous, kind gentleman with a sense of humor. Lee was loyal to his friends and family. It is with sadness in our hearts that leaves an empty hole that can't be replaced by his passing. Cancer was starting to slow him down, but he always stayed positive. Going to our Idaho home always gave him great pleasure and enjoyment. Watching the bald eagles, deer and moose. It was serenity.
Lee is survived by his wife Sandy Sweitzer who he met in the army over 30 years ago, his daughter Michelle (Robert) DeMeyer, his sister Susan (Grant) Davidson and his 3 grandsons: Sawyer, Anthony and Charles. He was predeceased in death by his brother John Balka and his parents.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Huntsman Cancer Institute-University of Utah or local animals shelters.
Funeral Services will be held at Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park. 17111 South Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale, UT 84065. Tuesday Feb 13th at 1PM with military funeral honors.