John Joseph Balander

Joe Balander On February 11, 2005 the Austin community lost a dear friend. John Joseph (Joe) Balander, 66, passed away after a brief hospital stay. Joe was born in Dallas and was an Austin resident the majority of his life. He attended Austin High School. After high school he served several years in the Armed Services. He met Judy Kincheloe in 1961 and they were married one month later. Joe’s love of the game of golf led to his career as a PGA Golf Professional. As a Golf Professional for 48 years, Joe served the citizens of Austin at Lions Municipal, Jimmy Clay, Riverside and Roy Kizer Golf Courses. In the mid - 1980’s Joe was a founding father of the Austin Junior Golf Academy. Under his direction this program grew and developed into the model Junior Golf Program for the state of Texas. As a true gentleman of the game his influence and contributions will continue long into the future. Joe’s love for golf and people was shown in the many kind ways he treated everyone who crossed his path. His dedicated work ethic, fairness and integrity were obvious to all. After his retirement in 1997 Joe enjoyed gardening, stamp collecting, home remodeling and spending time with his family. Joe was especially proud and close to his family. His parents Gladys and John Joseph Balander, Sr., preceded him in death. Joe is survived by Judy, his wife of 43 years; three daughters, Jil, Jana and Joey; their husbands, Chip, Kevin, and Derrick, and his grandchildren, Christopher, Jacob and Ella, all living in Austin. He is also survived by a multitude of friends and golfers whose lives he has touched over the past 66 years. He will be greatly missed but remembered forever. Thank you, Joe, for all you have given us. “Cuatro” will be glad to see you. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 14, 2005 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Children’s Hospital of Austin. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com