Joanne Balke's Obituary
Joanne, Mabel Balke, formally of Ottawa, Illinois, and later of Tampa and New Port Richey, FL passed away peacefully leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and determination. Joanne relocated to Tampa in 1976 where she built a life with family adventure, and deep connections.
She was the beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. Brandherm and the sister of Robert and her twin brother Jack Brandherm. Joanne was especially known for her wonderful sense of humor, particularly for never quite getting the joke laughing along wholeheartedly. Her husband, Bob (Robert) would teasingly ask Joanne “do you understand the joke?”, to which she would reply “no, but that is OK. “ She truly loved to laugh and her joy was contagious.
Joanne was married to the love of her life for 66 years. They were a perfectly matched couple whose marriage was built on communication, mutual respect, and teamwork. Before any decision was made, they would talk it through make a plan and carry it out together-a formula that guided their long and successful life together. She was a devoted mother to four children Christine, David, Ann and Susan, a proud grandma grandmother to Robert and Ashley and a great grandmother as well.
Joanne was a fighter in every sense of the word. She never gave up and firmly believed that where there was a will there was a way. That determination fulfilled her adventurous spirit. She loved to drive and was always ready for the next journey traveling to Illinois, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and many other states for the joy of going.
Joanne will be deeply missed by those who loved her here on earth, but there is comfort in knowing she is at peace reuniting with her husband, Bob (Robert) and resting in the presence of God.
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