Johnny Philip Balke, age 97, of Shawano, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2016 in Shawano. Born in the Town of Belle Plaine on November 28, 1918, Johnny was the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Kelly) Balke. On September 10, 1949, Johnny was united in marriage to Bernice Rickl in Blenker, WI. Bernice preceded him in death on May 14, 2003. Johnny loved music and was a part of several different groups, including, Johnny's Rhythm Rangers from 1939 – 1941, Wisconsin Blues Band from 1941-1947, Melody Mountaineers, and then Johnny & Bernice for 38 years. He was a member of the Musician's Union and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano.

Johnny is survived by: nine children, Dr. Susan Balke, D.O. of Marianna, AR, Maureen (Marcus Johnson) Balke of Albion, MI, Donna (Paul) Döhring of Lake In The Hills, IL, Bonnie Balke of Fitchburg, WI, John C. (Tammy) Balke of Brookfield, WI, Jan (Doug) Gruber of Union, KY, Joseph (Carole) Balke of Muskego, WI, Beth Rubanka of Racine, WI, and Judy (Todd) Schmidbauer of Mukwonago, WI; 11 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and his sister, Marie Kretz of Antigo, who is 108.

He was preceded in death by: his beloved wife and musical partner for some 40 years, Bernice; his youngest daughter, Cindy Lou; his parents; and siblings, Lester, Helen, Sadie, Bernice, Frank, and Margaret.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 24, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Luke Ferris officiating. Inurnment will be in Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swedberg Funeral Home on Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm with a Parish Wake service beginning at 7:00 pm. Visitation on Friday at Sacred Heart Church will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Oakhaven and Unity Hospice for wonderful care of Johnny.