John Bernard Balkema passed away in the early morning hours of December 30, 2011 in Mesa, AZ. John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted friend to a large and varied group of people.
John was born March 6, 1931 to John and Adriaana Balkema in Bozeman, Montana. He grew up in the area working on his dad’s farm. John joined the Montana Army National Guard in 1948 and began a long and rewarding career. He was qualified to fly both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, although in his mind, the CH34 was the “only aircraft in the air.”
On April 18, 1953 John married Luella Rae Kent. They were married 57 years and enjoyed many adventures, trips and a lifetime of fun together. John drove a Hudson when he was young and continued to restore and drive Hudsons in his later years. He was active in both the Big Sky and Arizona chapters of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club.
John was a man that could accomplish anything he put his mind to. He remodeled homes, built a home on Hauser Lake, rebuilt vehicles and designed and built the infamous “Paddle-wheel” barge that graced Lakeside Marina for many years. John was also a founding member of the Lakeside Volunteer Fire Department.
John was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Martin Balkema, and daughter-in-law, Robin Holland Balkema. John is survived by his wife, Luella of Apache Junction, AZ; son, Robert Balkema (Laurie Vogel) of Lakewood, CO; daughter, Kathy Goroski (Dave) of Helena; and his sister, Nellie Soll (Dick) of Oregon City, OR. John is also survived by grandchildren, Aaron Eslick of Helena, Jennifer Ebuna of Leadville, CO; Joshua Goroski of Great Falls and Shandel Balkema of Littleton, CO. His wisdom, sense of humor and strong opinions will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A service will take place on Friday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. Memorials are suggested to the Montana Military Museum c/o Lewis & Clark Historical Society, 316 N. Park Ave., Helena, MT 59623 or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
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Beverly Poppe says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of John. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bev Poppe
Bob & Carol Utick says
Cathy & Family
We are so sorry to hear about your father. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Carol Utick says
Kathy & Family
We are so sorry to hear about your father. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Carl and Laurie Quist says
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all the Balkema family. Sending our thoughts and love during this very difficult time. Carl and Laurie
Dan Olson says
My deepest condolences to the Balkema family. John will surely be missed.
Dee Barfknecht says
Kathy & family….
I was so sorry to learn about your Dad… My memories of your parents go way back to the early days in the National Guard when you all lived on 11h Ave! What a wonderful man. You are in my thoughts and prayers… Love, Dee Barf.
Dorothy Thiede says
Kathy and Family, I am so very sorry to read that your DAD – JOHN passed away. I lost both my parents recently and I do know your loss. While I was in the Guard I enjoyed and respected you father. I had the pleasure to be on the famous paddle wheel barge and take part in the fun time hour family always had. Our parents arn’t with any more but they are in our hearts forever…Love you all Dorothy
Eric & Nickie Eck says
Our sympathy and prayers to Lu, Bob and Kathy. Many warm memories of happier times. All our best.
Gerald Crum says
sorry about your loss i ahve some great memorys with your family
Jerry Ostrem says
I was so sorry to hear about John’s passing. John was truly a great man and a real patriot, mentor and friend. He helped me in so many ways throughout the years. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Margaret Dykstra Eldrich says
Thinking of you with deepest sympathy in your loss. I knew John’s parents and have many wonderful childhood memories of them. I am saddened by the death of their son.
Marlene Freyler Wallis says
Lue, Bob and Kathy:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I am so sorry for your loss of John.
Love to all,
Marlene
Mike & Tracy Anderson says
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Ronda Scott says
John was a very special person and helped me when I first started working for the Guard. I am very sorry I will not be able to attend his service as I will be in Butte. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers that day. I am so sorry for your loss.
Susan Sabol says
Kathy and Family,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad..my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry Epler says
Luella,
I am so sorry the hear of John’s death. I lost track of you both after Harley’s death. I will never forget the great times we had at your house on Cottonwood. I loved your Mom and Dad. Mother is 96 and still living in Bozeman. Jim and I are in Billings. Mother and I would both love to hear from you. Please call me in Billings at 406-245-2240. Again, I am sorry for your loss. Love, Terry Epler
Tom and Lynn Campbell says
Dear Lu,Bob and Kathy, so sorry to hear your sad new. On behalf of Tom and myself my good memories, friends and family and the peace of your faith see you through this hard time.
Deepest sympathy, Tom and Lynn Campbell
Yana says
Mary Motolese – Hey Amie I know John and my daughter made a great cciohe. i love all of the pictures!!She called and absolutely was so excited with the pics. You did such a great job!!!:)Show me more:) Mary Motolese