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George Edward Balke - 1940-2008

January 18th, 2008 by jeff

My father passed away at 12:30pm today in St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by his family. It was very peaceful.

I cannot express to you how much gratitude I feel for all the kind words I have received in person, on the phone, via text messages, comments, Twitters and emails. I have the greatest friends any person could hope for and it means everything to me.

My dad is being cremated, but we are going to have a memorial service for him tentatively scheduled for 10am Tuesday, January 22 at the Heights Funeral Home on Heights Boulevard. Joyce, my stepmother, will be hosting an open house at her and my dad’s home in Clear Lake immediately following the service. I will have more details as we get them organized this weekend.

You are all of course very welcome and you are welcome to come see and my band play tomorrow night (Saturday) at Rudyard’s. I’m sure it will be cathartic. No doubt, my dad would be happy to see me rock my balls off in tribute. :)

Thank you again for everything.

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20 Responses to “George Edward Balke - 1940-2008”
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  1. on 18 Jan 2008 at 3:37 pm   katya

    …and he would have been thrilled to have it expressed as “rock my balls off in tribute” as well. I loved that about your dad. You are definitely a Balke. :)

    I’m truly sorry, Jeff. Hugs.

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  2. on 18 Jan 2008 at 3:38 pm   darkhairedgirl

    Jeff,
    *hugs* Just know that no matter what your religious beliefs or lack there of are, the universe never punishes you for doing what you think is right and making decisions based on love.
    I look forward to seeing you play tomorrow. I think we’ll all be rasising a glass to your Dad tomorrow night.
    Be strong. Call if you need anything. I’d even be happy to cook some food and bring it over to your house because I know the last thing you want to do right now is have to cook.

    Take care of yourself.

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  3. on 18 Jan 2008 at 3:40 pm   jennifer the intern

    i’m so sorry. please let me know if there is anything i can do.

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  4. on 18 Jan 2008 at 3:41 pm   Jason McElweenie

    Jeff

    I will be there to watch you rock your balls off in tribute. I thought that that might sound strange and it does!

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  5. on 18 Jan 2008 at 3:43 pm   Erin

    Much love & many hugs to you, Jeff. Let me know if you need anything. Heck, I might even cook something for y’all if you need it. That’s how much I care! :) But seriously… anything… let me know. We will definitely raise a glass to your dad tomorrow night. From everything I’ve heard, he sounds like he was a great guy & obviously well loved.

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  6. on 18 Jan 2008 at 3:57 pm   Ed Schipul

    A great tribute post to your Dad. It sounds like you have an awesome family! And because I like you I will *not* offer to cook for you.

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  7. on 18 Jan 2008 at 4:03 pm   Rebecca

    No will appreciate a balls-to-the-wall, 21-guitar salute more than your dad — he was the human embodiment of the party you never forget. He squeezed a lot of life out of his too-short time here. Speed on, George …

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  8. on 18 Jan 2008 at 4:16 pm   Matthew Wettergreen

    Jeff,

    I will be there to see you burn down the house in tribute.

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  9. on 18 Jan 2008 at 4:37 pm   g.griffin

    Hold Fast.

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  10. on 18 Jan 2008 at 4:48 pm   laanba

    Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. I have always enjoyed listening to your stories about your dad and I know that all the wonderful things about him live on in you. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  11. on 18 Jan 2008 at 6:00 pm   groovehouse

    Jeff I am very sorry to hear about your Dad. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.

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  12. on 18 Jan 2008 at 6:05 pm   Jenny

    If your father was anything like you then his passing was a loss to the whole world.

    I’m so sorry.

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  13. on 18 Jan 2008 at 8:08 pm   cybertoad

    Beautiful tribute - your father sounds like he was a wonderful man and even more amazing Dad. See you tomorrow night to give you a hug in person and join everyone for the ball-rocking performance.

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  14. on 18 Jan 2008 at 8:25 pm   nuje

    Sorry to hear of your loss.

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  15. on 18 Jan 2008 at 10:19 pm   Kent

    I’m very sorry about your loss Jeff.

    You rock on in his memory, as I’m sure he will in yours.

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  16. on 18 Jan 2008 at 11:11 pm   Christine

    Jeff, I am so sorry about your Dad. He always sounded like a fabulous man. We’re here for you if you need anything - just give us a call.

    Rock on. I am sure he is proud.

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  17. on 18 Jan 2008 at 11:51 pm   Tiffany

    Jeff,
    I’m sure your dad WOULD be happy to hear you put all that emotion into your music. He’d also be very proud. We’ll be seeing you there tomorrow night and supporting you all the way!

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  18. on 21 Jan 2008 at 5:30 pm   Larry

    Jeff,
    I’m very sorry to hear the news old friend. You and your family are in my prayers. Take care, Larry

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  19. on 22 Jan 2008 at 1:20 pm   Cid

    My deepest condolences go out to you and your family Jefe.

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  20. on 03 May 2008 at 7:09 pm   Naomi Barnes

    This is why I have not had mail from cuz George. I will miss his funny mail and great letters. He was very proud of his son, Jeff!

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