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Brian Balke Obituary
ALTON -Brian A. Balke, 53 died at 6:49 a.m. on July 25, 2015, at his residence
He was born November 18, 1961, in Alton, the son of the late Burdette and Rose (Grueter) Balke. He graduated from SIUC with a degree in Political Science, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Alton and an avid golfer. Brian was owner/operator of Balke Cleaning Service in Alton. He married Alison (Schudel) on March 29, 1995, in Las Vegas, Nev., and she survives.
He is also survived by three step children, Nicholas Tassinari of Alton, Matthew Tassinari of Hermiston, Oregon and Melissa Tassinari of Alton; one brother, Bret Balke of Mount Zion, Ill.; one sister, Fran Burke of Springfield, Ill.; and two step grandchildren, Noah and Brayden Tassinari.
Visitation will be at 4 p.m. until time of funeral at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at Gent Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to 5A's in Alton. Online guestbook and additional information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Balke
Ag Hartsock
July 29, 2015
Francie, Sorry to hear about the loss of your brother.
Brian Balke
Andrew Herrmann
July 29, 2015
Bob Siebecker
July 28, 2015
I met Brian in College. We worked and played together. He was a great guy and a great friend. RIP buddy.
Cheryl Gregory
July 28, 2015
Jerry and I are so sorry for your loss.
Andrew Herrmann
July 28, 2015
I was Brian's college roommate both at SCI in Springfield and at SIU in Carbondale. What a terrific person. In a word: "charming." We had so much fun together and living with him helped shape me to the person I am today. Goodbye my old Saluki friend.
shelia dingeldein
July 28, 2015
I am so very sorry.
July 27, 2015
Brian I enjoyed knowing you and working with you at Specialized Services. Rest in peace. May God bless your family and keep them during this most difficult time. Angela
steve brenegan
July 27, 2015
brain was one of my best friends, we played a lot of golf and few beers together. take care buddy.
Jay Lavick
July 26, 2015
RIP Brian loved playing, talking golf with you, hit 'em straight upstairs!
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