Joseph "Joe" Balek

Joe Balek, 82, of Great Falls, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Peace Hospice.A memorial service will be Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Centerville. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Joe was born April 6, 1934 in Lawton, North Dakota to Joseph F. and Erma Balek. He had an older brother, Stan. His family moved to Great Falls in 1942, where his father went to work for John Deere. He attended Central High School and enjoyed being a big part of the basketball team. He went to work at the Anaconda Smelter for 7 years, and finally the US Post Office for 30 years by the time he retired.He married Sandy in 1984, and they had 33 wonderful years together.Joe loved camping and traveling with Sandy in their motor home. He loved sports, and attended almost all the CMR basketball and football games. He was also an avid Grizzlies fan. He was very active; playing cowboy polo, fishing, bowling and snowmobiling, but his favorite was golfing. He looked forward to having coffee in the morning with his friends.He created a loving and safe place for everyone he knew because of his big heart, great sense of humor, and gentle spirit. He will be greatly missed.Joe is survived by his wife, Sandra Balek of Great Falls; son Danne Balek of Springfield, OR; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ruby and Mel Wiley, Lois and Larry Ray, Melva Campbell, Bob and Jeri Heady, Della McClure, Rose Crowley, Jim and Rose Manion, and Ginger Balek; 2 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and so many wonderful friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother; and previous wife, Val who died of breast cancer.