John "Mike" Balch

John "Mike" Balch, 63, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at his home.

John Michael Balch was born on November 25, 1954, in Maryville, Missouri, the son of John Andrew and Edna Irene (Weatherly) Balch. He was baptized in the Presbyterian faith. The family made Atlantic, Iowa, home when he was 8 years old. He attended Atlantic Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1973. Following graduation, he began working as a “jack of all trades” doing construction work with his father and also painted on the side.

In 1977, he was united in marriage to Joan Troll. Three children were born to this union, Stephanie, Melissa and Shane. On July 20, 1991, he was united in marriage to Jocelyn Rhodes at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic. He was employed with EBI in Audubon and later for Hoffman Manufacturing in Manning, Iowa, for several years until his health started to fail.

Mike attended the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, and watched many basketball and football games. He loved to cook and bake and always wanted people to try what he had made. In his younger years he played in a slow pitch softball league. He enjoyed bowling, especially with his grandchildren and playing golf with his son, Shane, son-in-law, Jason, and good friend, David Marousek. Mike looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren and took every opportunity to attend their activities and especially enjoyed his beloved dog “Rudy”.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jocey of Atlantic, IA; children, Stephanie (Jason) Holley of Bridgeport, TX, Melissa Balch of Atlantic, IA, Shane Balch of Floresville, TX, and Jason Humphrey of Solon, IA; grandchildren, Kyler and Kalista Holley and Corbin, R.J. and Mason Loudermilk; brother and sisters, Linda Balch of Atlantic, IA, Margaret (Rick) Norman of Stevensville, MT, and Randy Balch of Des Moines, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Edna Balch; sister, Nancy Balch; and nephew, Andrew Norman.

Open visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2018, at Roland Funeral Home. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church starting at 1:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic, with Reverend Rachelle McCalla officiating. Burial will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Mike's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

Mike Balch

BORN
November 25, 1954 - Maryville, Missouri

DIED
May 1, 2018 - Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 63 years, 5 months & 6 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018
First United Presbyterian Church - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Reverend Rachelle McCalla

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Amazing Grace” by the Congregation
“Jesus Is Just All Right” recorded by the Doobie Brothers

CASKET BEARERS
Shane Balch
Jason Humphrey
Randy Balch
David Marousek
Jack Jensen
Joe Hayes

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Kyler Holley
Kalista Holley
Corbin Loudermilk
R.J. Loudermilk
Mason Loudermilk

FLOWER COMMITTEE
Sherrie Marousek
Laurie Knudsen
Judy Knutsen

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery
Atlantic, Iowa

The family invites you to join them for lunch in fellowship hall
following services at the cemetery.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me
and I’m not here to see …
If the sun should rise and find your
eyes filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
the way you did today …
While thinking of the many things
we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you …
And each time you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me, too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand …
That Jesus came and called my name
and took me by the hand,
And said my home was ready
in Heaven far above …
And that I’d have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don’t think we’re far apart …
For every time you think of me,
I’m right there in your heart.