Joyce Balka

Joyce Balka was born July 1, 1923 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Glenn and Arlene (Peters) Shuler and passed away Friday, October 14 2016 surrounded by four generations of family. She met John Balka of South Bend, Indiana on the beach at Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor and fell in love.  They were married on October 2, 1949, and Joyce lived in South Bend for 36 years before moving back to St. Joseph, Michigan in August of 1985.  John preceded her in death on January 30, 1976.    Joyce worked at Peapples Ice Cream Store during high school, 1900 (Whirlpool) Corporation during World War II and V-M Corporation after the war. While living in South Bend, Joyce worked at Russ’ Fine Foods Restaurant for 25 years and at Nylon Craft of Mishawaka, Indiana for nine years.  Joyce was a graduate of Benton Harbor High School in 1941.  Joyce was a life-long member of New Life Church (formerly American Baptist) where she was a member of the 50 Year Club, served as an officer in the Women’s Missionary Society and as a member of the Board of Deacons, and worked on various other church committees. She lived a faith-filled life and loved her church family and serving God here and in the community.  She was also actively involved with the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center where she enjoyed playing euchre and bingo; Widow to Widowers Club; W.C.A and Aqua-Exercise Class.  She loved to read her daily devotions and newspaper, watch game shows on TV, and attend community concerts and programs.  Joyce was a dedicated fan of Chicago Cub’s baseball and Notre Dame Football.  She and John were Notre Dame Football season ticket holders for close to 30 years and attended the games along with family and good friends.  Joyce lived at Caretel Inns for the last two years and cherished the friendships she made and the activities she enjoyed. Survivors include Joyce’s sister Janet Schack of South Haven, Michigan; brother Reverend Donald (Meg) Shuler of Hudson Falls, New York; sisters-in-law Ruth Shuler of Benton Harbor & Vera Miller of Madison, Alabama; as well as 25 nieces & nephews, 35 great nieces & nephews, 8 great-great nieces & nephews, cousins, church family and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Glenn & Arlene Shuler, husband John Balka, brother Roland Shuler, brother & sister-in-law Gordon & Florence Shuler, & brother-in-law George Schack.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 18 at New Life Church, 3265 S. Cleveland Ave., St. Joseph, with Rev. Brian Rumer officiating. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday at the church.  A time of fellowship will follow the service.  Joyce will be buried with her husband John in Highland-Riverview Cemetery in South Bend, Indiana.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Life Church or the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center.    The family would like to thank Lakeland Medical Center & Caretel Inns and their staff and Joyce’s many caregivers & friends for the care afforded her.