John J. Balek, age 89, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Monday, April 20,2020. Survived by his children, DDS Charles (Elfi) Balek, Robert (fiancé Valerie Zebel Cummings) Balek, Elaine (Don) Meredith, Paul (Jane) Balek and Thomas (Lisa) Balek; thirteen grandchildren; a very special friend, Betty Morgan; her children, Tracey and Jimmy as well as their families. Preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Balek; his parents John and Mary (nee Pokorny) Balek. John was born on August 20, 1930 in Joliet, IL. He graduated from the Joliet Grade Schools, Joliet Township High School, Joliet Junior College and the University of Illinois in Urbana. He financed his college by working summers on construction, the Great Lakes Spring Corporation, the Phoenix Manufacturing Company and the Ruberoid. He was drafted immediately upon finishing his studies at the University of Illinois. He went to Korea during the Korean War and participated in the defense of the northern rim of the Punchbowl, the Battle for Outpost Harry, the Battle for Finger Ridge, the Siege of Outpost Harry and the Battle of the Kumsong Salient. In the latter battle his unit was surrounded and then overrun by the enemy suffering heavy losses of both men and equipment. He would always show his appreciation to the two friends who directly saved his life in Korea. For participating in these battles John's outfit received a South Korean Presidential Unit Citation. After being honorably discharged from active Army duty, John worked at the Union National Bank for one year and then at the Gerlach Barklow Company for two years, where he met his future wife, Nancy. John went back to school at Northern Illinois University and earned his master's degree plus an extra credit by going to school during summers and at night while teaching. He taught for 37.5 years. The last 28 years were at Morton College in Cicero, Illinois. While there he received several awards for excellence in teaching; wrote manuals in the areas of Business Law, Introduction to Business, Business Math and contributed to the content of more than twenty college textbooks in those three areas. John was a lector and an eucharistic minister at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Crest Hill, IL from 1973 to 2009. After retiring from full-time teaching, he worked part time on various jobs until 2015. He had many hobbies and interests and never found enough hours in the day for all of them. John belonged to many special and professional organizations. He was proudest of his membership in the O.P. Harry Survivors Association, the 5th Regimental Combat Team Association, Mensa and Great Books. At John's request, cremation rites have been accorded. If you would honor his memory, strive for truth, justice, peace and prosperity. Memorial service will be held at Farkas Funeral Home, Monday, August 3, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Inurnment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. For more information, please call 815-725-0100 or visit www.farkasfuneralhome.com