Ryan Balok Obituary

Ryan Howard Balok passed away on April 6, 2018 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was just 40 years old. Ryan is survived by his mother, Patricia Conery, of Winona Lake, Indiana; father, Richard (Kathryn) Balok of Mishawaka; grandmother, Joann Christensen of South Bend; sister, Kelly (Scott) Tope of Warsaw, Indiana; daughter, Alexandria "Lexy" Balok of South Bend; niece, Genevieve Tope of Warsaw, Indiana; as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, many friends, and ex-girlfriends.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Genevieve Howard; stepfather, Greg Conery; and aunt, Cindy Howard. Most of Ryan's life was spent in South Bend/Mishawaka/Elkhart area. He attended both LaSalle and Clay High Schools. Ryan also spent quite a few years in the Tampa, Florida area, where he came to love the warm Florida sunshine and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – but he always rooted for his hometown Notre Dame Fighting Irish during college football season.

After moving back to the Michiana area, Ryan never re-adjusted to the colder weather – and he constantly reminded us of it. Despite the weather, he loved being near family and friends. So many loved him and were loved by him. Ryan's smile and laughter could light up a room. He had a great sense of humor and he was a great story teller.

Ryan was a tough guy who acted larger than life at times, but who let everyone know he loved his Mom. This is the legacy that he will leave. He is at peace now, yet that does not ease our pain. Grant the dead eternal rest, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine on them, with Thy saints forever, because Thou are merciful. Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday, April 11th from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, ending with memorial services at 6:30 pm at Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635.