Joseph W. Balcer

     Joseph W. Balcer Jr., 74, died unexpectedly, at Wheaton Franciscan Medical Center, on Saturday, December 25, 2010 surrounded by his family. Joe was born in Racine on May 10, 1936 the son of the late Joseph and Anne (nee: Kieler) Balcer Sr.

    Joe served his country with the U.S. Army. He had been employed by Walker Mfg. for over 20 years until his retirement in 1996. On May 17, 1986 here, in Racine, he was united in marriage to Patricia Garbarek Heberling who preceded him in death on Dec. 31, 1998. Joe enjoyed bowling, cribbage, playing cards, dining out, and spending time with his family and friends. 

      Surviving are his children, Michelle (Bill) Sweetman, Michael (Marcie) Balcer, Christine (Paul) Uebe, and Beth (Tim) Ison, all of Racine; step-children, Tom (Mikala) Heberling, of Altamonte Springs, FL, and Cheryl (Ken) Sands, of Racine; 12 grandchildren, Matthew and Daniel Sweetman, Jenna (Chase) Hansen, Amanda Balcer, and Collin Balcer, Owen Uebe, Khi and Nia Ison, Matthew and Dana Heberling, Mitch and Ben Sands; sister, Eleanor Zdanowski, of Waterford, sister-in-law, Rosemary Balcer, of Ballwin, MO, former wife and friend, Nancy Balcer, domestic partner and special friend, Susan Allen, both of Racine. His nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends further survive him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Gerald Balcer, brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Shirley Balcer, nephew, Jeffrey Balcer and brother-in-law, John Zdanowski.

      His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, December 30^th, at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Walter Hermanns officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service. The family has suggested memorials to your favorite charity.

      The family would like to thank South Shore Fire and Rescue and the caring staff in the Emergency Room and the Intensive Care Unit at Wheaton Franciscan Medical Center.