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In Memory

Richard Eugene Balok - Class Of 1973

Richard Eugene Balok

 

Richard (Ric) Eugene Balok

Richard (Ric) Eugene Balok passed away on January 27, 2022 at the age of 67. He was born in South Bend, Indiana on December 13, 1954 to Eugene Herbert Balok and Joanne Lynn Christensen, she survives.

Ric is also survived by his wife, Katie; daughter, Kelly (Scott) Tope; granddaughters, Lexy Balok and Genevieve Tope; stepchildren, Holly and Joshua Miller; step-grandsons, Marshall Grabill and Domenick Miller; siblings, Michael Balok and Patricia Houk; two great-grandsons; and one great-grandniece and two great-grandnephews.

Ric grew up on the east side of South Bend and graduated from John Adams High School in 1973. He was a well-known athlete in high school an excelled in a variety of sports including baseball, football and basketball. In his sophomore year, he was the catcher in the Eagle’s semi-state team, the furthest any Adams baseball team had ever advanced. After his senior year on the football team, he was named All Indiana Conference and All State Defensive tackle. During his time at Adams, he was considered one of the toughest athletes to play there. That admiration followed him long after graduation.

He had a long career as a butcher and worked at many grocery stores and butcher shops in the Michiana area. He was an “old school” butcher and considered one of the best in the trade. He was known to enjoy a good party and always took care of a friend in need.

There are no services planned for Ric at this time.

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2/3/2022 EJS