Erik Balog Obituary

Erik Balog Valparaiso Erik Balog, age 39, of Valparaiso, passed away on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at his residence. He was a longtime area resident and was the owner and proprietor of Three Pines Construction and Custom Woodworking. Erik was a Folk musician of stringed instruments and a member of the Northwest Indiana Parrothead Club. He volunteered his time at Taltree Arboretum and Gardens and with Hilltop Neighbors. He will be remembered by his family as a wonderful son, husband, and brother. Erik is survived by his beloved wife Erin; father, Ernest Balog of Gary, brother, Mark Balog of Gary, nephew, David Balog of Nashville, TN. Erik was preceded in death by his mother Betty Balog. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Taltree Arboretum. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, July 3, 2004 at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso. Visiting hours will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 2, 2004 at the Rees Funeral Home, 219-942-2109

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Published by The Times from Jul. 2 to Jul. 3, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Erik Balog

8 Entries

Janet Curtis

July 11, 2004

Erik,

I've thought for days about what to write here. All of us were shocked when we heard the terrible news.

Now we'll have to rely on memories, and all of them good ones. I'll always think of you whenever I hear a Buffet song, and I'm really thankful that your Mom gave me a tape of one of your appearances at the Court. I've been playing it often lately.

Although you didn't have any children of your own, be assured that your nephew drew from the same gene pool as you did. He plays his guitars and even appreciates the acoustic's qualities, he's left-handed, and even has the same toes as you. You'd be happy to know that he's in a band and has started playing gigs recently. I see a part of you every time I watch and listen to him play.

We miss you, Erik, and always will.

Peggy Brzozkiewicz

July 2, 2004

Erik,

I feel blessed to have known you, if only for such a short time. It should have been so much longer. I'll miss our little talks in front of the house when I walked the dogs. I'll miss teetering over the back yard fence to talk to you. You were a true historian, such an intelligent man, yet you never talked down to anyone. You've done so much for us throughout the years, and have been a perfect friend, neighbor and gentleman. When we moved into this area, we were looking for a more peaceful life, a place where we could trust

people again. You answered our prayers, and we thank you for that. Then you met Erin, and we were doubley blessed. You made the perfect couple, true soulmates. I know you loved her more than life itself. We'll try to help her through all of this in whatever way we can.

Sorry about the roof. I know you wanted to finish it. I can barely look up there without crying. And you finally got your skylight. You were so proud of it, and with good reason. I never saw anyone so determined to finish his masterpiece. And it truly is! You were one in a million. Our family will miss you. We love you Erik. God bless you and keep you safe in His arms.

P.S. Whenever those rose bushes come into bloom, and the scent drifts over to our side of the fence, we'll be thinking of you.

Kristy Brzozkiewicz

July 2, 2004

Erik was my next door neighbor for the past 10 years. We moved here in 1994 and couldn't have asked for better friends so close by. Erik and Erin are going down in history as the only neighbors that my parents have actually hung out and drank with. :) I'll always remember him as the gentle, laid back guy who always had time to say hello to his neighbors, stop by on holidays, and occasionally feed Jake and Pepper bones through the fence. I'm thankful for the years that I did know him. Erik, you really will be missed. Erin, you're loved- and if there's anything you ever need, you know where we are. :) God bless you and your family...

Julie Brzozkiewicz

July 2, 2004

It still doesn't seem real to me. I'm not even sure where to start with all the good memories. Erik was the perfect person to introduce me to some of the good things in Valparaiso. I was just a snotty teenager with a bad attitude about moving there and he made it seem a lot better. He was not only a great neighbor, but a wonderful friend as well. Erin - God bless you and keep you. Erik will be sorely missed....

Carol Cardetti-Berger

July 2, 2004

Erik,

You will be greatly missed. Frank and I will always be grateful for your friendship. Your kindness and helpfulness were always appreciated. Your talents whether it be woodworking, construction or musical was always so impressive. We will remember your smile and those great big hugs you would give.

Peace Erik, Peace.

Frank Berger

July 2, 2004

We'll miss you Erik

See ya on those Kentucky hills someday

Ron Stillabower

July 1, 2004

I just got the call about two hours ago....

On the way home after the call, I noticed that there was a spectacular sunset over the fields and woods and I grabbed my camera to take a phtograph for my little buddy, Zook.

The batteries were run down and I immediately thought about how Zook woulda handled the situation and I just had to smile which was good after crying so hard and so long. Eric wouldn't have let this phase him in the least. And that's what I loved about him. No mean bones in him and patience as long as a country mile.

The three things I will remember most about Zook was :

His voice. It was always such a good feeling to just hear him say' "Hiya Ron".

The way he'd give me a hug if I'd not seen him in a while. He'd always pat me on the back between my shoulder blades and say, "awwww man".

His face and the expressions he'd come up with and those big old blue eyes...

A gentle soul and a very loving and kind man and I will be missing ya with a big part of my heart.

I love ya little buddy....

God bless you Erin.

The world is an emptier place without you Eric. You gave so much more to the world than you took.

Your karma is good.

Miss you already.

Hugs dude.

Ron

Sherry Pedone

July 1, 2004

I will always remember Erik as a dear friend and wonderful musician. We enjoyed playing music together many times. His music touched the heart and soul of many.

Rest in Peace Erik.

You will be missed.

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