Johnny Philip Balke, 97, of Shawano, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Shawano. Born in the town of Belle Plaine on Nov. 28, 1918, Johnny was the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Kelly) Balke.
On Sept. 10, 1949, Johnny was united in marriage to Bernice Rickl in Blenker. Bernice preceded him in death on May 14, 2003.
Johnny loved music and was a part of several different groups, including Johnny’s Rhythm Rangers from 1939-1941, Wisconsin Blues Band from 1941-1947, Melody Mountaineers, and then Johnny & Bernice for 38 years. He was a member of the musicians union and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano.
Johnny is survived by nine children, Dr. Susan Balke, D.O., of Marianna, Arkansas, Maureen (Marcus Johnson) Balke, of Albion, Michigan, Donna (Paul) Döhring, of Lake in the Hills, Illinois, Bonnie Balke, of Fitchburg, John C. (Tammy) Balke, of Brookfield, Jan (Doug) Gruber, of Union, Kentucky, Joseph (Carole) Balke, of Muskego, Beth Rubanka, of Racine, and Judy (Todd) Schmidbauer, of Mukwonago; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and his sister, Marie Kretz, of Antigo, who is 108.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and musical partner for some 40 years, Bernice; his youngest daughter, Cindy Lou; his parents; and siblings, Lester, Helen, Sadie, Bernice, Frank and Margaret.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Luke Ferris officiating. Inurnment will be in Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swedberg Funeral Home on Thursday, June 23, 2016, from 4-8 p.m. with a parish wake service beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation on Friday at Sacred Heart Church will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Oakhaven and Unity Hospice for wonderful care of Johnny.