Obituary: Jeffrey “Jeff” S. Balis

Jeffrey “Jeff” S. Balis, of the town of Genesee, died unexpectedly on Monday, July 22, 2013 at the age of 56.

He was born in Lafayette, IN on September 30, 1956 the son of John and Marjorie (nee Burcalow) Balis.  Jeff was a graduate of Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, VA. He then graduated from MSOE in 1981 with a degree in mechanical engineering. On June 24, 1978 he married Debra Weber in Plymouth, WI.  

Jeff worked in the Professional Intern Program at Eaton Corporation and then went on to work at Kohler Engine Division before working for 30 years at Waukesha Engine.  He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers where he served as past chairman of the Milwaukee Chapter and was a member of ASTM where he was chairman of the sub committee for petroleum products and lubricants for test equipment procedures and implementations.  Jeff was a very active volunteer at Old World Wisconsin’s Garden Department.  He was a dedicated and active Mason and was a member of many Masonic organizations including, Waukesha Lodge #37 Free & Accepted Masons of Wisconsin, LaBelle Chapter #40 Order of the Eastern Star, Waukesha Chapter #37 Royal Arch Masons, Waukesha Council #29 Royal & Select Masters of Wisconsin and Waukesha Commandery #23 Knights Templar. 

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 35 years Debra Balis of town of Genesee, his daughter Leslie (Joshua Anderson) Balis of Ypsilanti, MI, his grandson Rhys Anderson, his parents John and Marjorie Balis of Hertford, NC and his sisters, Jennifer Balis of Alexandria, VA, Michele Balis of Corpus Christi, TX and Martha (Eric) Larson of Arlington, VA.  He is further survived by his nieces, Ellora Larson, Mia Larson, Calle (Ryan) Schimberg, his nephews Steven Weber and Gregory (Cassandra) Weber along with other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by Blaze his canine companion. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 29, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, 121 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha from 4 p.m. until the time of the 7 p.m. Order of the Eastern Star LaBelle Chapter #40 Service and Masonic Service followed by the religious funeral service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Waukesha Masonic Lodge #37 Scholarship Fund, 317 South Street, Waukesha, WI 53186 or to Old World Wisconsin/Garden Department, W372 S9727 Hwy 67, Eagle, WI 53119. Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family.

For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.