Joseph “Joe” Louis Balzrina passed away on Oct. 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, just days before his 76th birthday.
Joe was born on Oct. 10, 1950, in Hillsborough, Illinois, to Sue and Joe Balzrina. He spent most of his younger years in Illinois before moving to Burlington in 1988. Burlington remained his home until his final year, when he moved to Grafton to be closer to his family.
Joe served in the United States Air Force, including service in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, working on aircrafts such as the Phantom fighter. He went on to spend his career as a maintenance electrician.
In 1979, Joe married the love of his life, Shirley Sue. Joe cherished Shirley and was beyond grateful for every day they shared. Her love and care was a gift to Joe throughout his life.
Joe loved hunting, fishing, music and good food. His family was his greatest joy. He treasured the many vacations, family get-togethers, sporting events, and fishing trips they shared together. His family will forever carry the memories and lessons he passed along to them that he had picked up over a lifetime of fishing on the water. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, bringing out his soft side.
Joe always had a lollipop in his pocket for the grandkids, a smile on his face, and a good joke to tell – whether the joke was appropriate for the occasion didn’t always factor into his decision to tell it!
We will always love you Gramps and Cuppa.
Joe is survived by his wife, Shirley; his son Luke (Lan Liu) Balzrina; his son Darrell (Lisa) Balzrina; and his grandchildren, Vincent, Leo, Kathryn, Mary, and George. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sue and Joe Balzrina, and his brother, Dan Balzrina.
A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at Noon at The Miller-Reesman, Kasuboski, Haas, and Dahl Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 620 15th Avenue, Union Grove.
Burial with full military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in Joe’s memory to The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, Inc., online at https://www.starsandstripeshonorflight.org/donate.
Online condolences may be left at www.Miller-Reesman.com.