Jeff Balk of East Stormy Lake Road

Word reached us this week of the death of Jeff Balk. Jeff and Lois have had a home in the north bay on Stormy Lake for decades. Our thoughts are with Lois, Wendy, Julia, and the entire family.

Below is his obituary:

Jeffrey Balk

November 7, 1945 - October 8, 2026

Jeffery Balk, beloved husband of Lois Balk (née Wurmle). Loving father of Wendy (Mike Mytys) Toth. Grandfather of Julia Toth. Brother of Randy Balk and the late Cheryl Hofbauer. Brother-in-law of Nancy Wurmle and Bette (Norman) Mitchell. Nephew of Shirlee Weaver. Uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Jeffery was born to June and Louis Balk in Kankakee, IL, where he attended school. As a child, Jeff loved to watch the trains and shoot hoops with his buddies. In high school, he ran cross country.

He met his wife, Lois, at Illinois State University. Their first date was a football game. Jeff and Lois celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on August 1, 2026. Jeff got his first teaching job at Henry Puffer school in Downers Grove, IL, where he taught industrial technology for 25 years. He taught his students many life skills, such as how to change a tire, how to build structures, basic car maintenance, electricity and architecture. His former students have many fond memories of his class, describing his class as their favorite. For the last 10 years of his career at Puffer, Jeff was the Director of Building and Grounds.

In 1988, Jeff designed and helped build a lake house for the family in northern Wisconsin. Early every morning, you would find Jeff in his canoe on Stormy Lake enjoying eagles, loons, and the quiet of the northwoods. In retirement, Jeff continued his love of landscaping, fixing “everything," riding his bike, meeting friends for coffee, going to Home Depot, addnd going to the Woodridge library.

Jeff is especially known for all of the projects he completed for family and friends. If anyone needed a new porch, a lawn mower repair, a friendly ear, or virtually anything, Jeff was there! He was humble and helped people without expecting anything in return.

Family was Jeff’s first love. Jeff was so proud of his daughter, Wendy, and his granddaughter, Julia. At every function, you would find Jeff there cheering on his “girls.”

Funeral services and interment private.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Luke Church, 5235 Fairview Avenue in Downers Grove or The Michael J. Fox Parkinson Foundation.

Published obituary is here.

Jeff Balk of East Stormy Lake Road