Joseph Balota passed away peacefully on July 8, 2020, at the age of 94. He was born in St. Louis, MO, on October 27, 1925. After serving in the Navy during WWII, Joe relocated to Milwaukee, WI. He met his future wife, Mary (nee Wysocki) and they married on Oct. 4, 1947. They were married 72 years, until she passed away in April, 2020. They settled in Franklin, WI, where they raised three sons, Rick (Jan), the late Randy (Marge), and Dennis (Kathy). They relocated to Muskego, WI, twenty years ago, until this year when they moved to Brookfield Rehabilitation and Specialty Care.
Joe was active for many years in his church community, St. James Catholic Church, Christian Fathers, Xaverian Missionary, troop leader for the Boy Scouts, and Humboldt Park Forth of July committee. He loved to visit with his friends and family, play cards, golf, tinker in his yard and garage, and drive his car around town. He drove until mid-2019.
Joe is also survived by four grandchildren, David, Jill (Mark Cross), Jason, and Kelly (Reese Hall). He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Dave, Holly, Lennox, Tyler, and Amber. Joe was a friendly and gentle man, and will be missed by his family and friends.
A Memorial Visitation for Joseph and his wife Mary will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Hartson Funeral Home, 11111 W. Janesville Road, Hales Corners, Wisconsin from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.