JACK BALOGH

Jack Patrick Balogh, age 9 years, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa. Jack did not have a long life, but it was a life lived to the fullest. He visited ten states and traveled by van, airplane, subway, helicopter, motorcycle, train and boat. He went camping, dipped his feet in the ocean and played in the snow. Jack wished for a hot tub and was granted that wish by Make-a-Wish Foundation of WI. He loved soaking in his hot tub, visiting Walt Disney World, bowling and roller-skating. He was a world-class snuggler. Music was a passion. He was the most animated and enthusiastic audience for live music, especially when his brother and sister were practicing. He loved jazz, techno, rock n' roll, hip hop, anything on the church organ and everything in between. He was a big believer that music is best enjoyed at high volume. He played piano, drums, cowbell, and a myriad of other instruments through his iPad. Jack was a proud Jefferson Jaguar, Nicolet Nighthawk and Menasha Blue Jay. Going to school made him so happy. His caring teachers, therapists, parapro's, bus drivers and friends warmed his heart and ours. He particularly enjoyed when his classmates read to him. He had an infectious laugh that could not be ignored. He brought smiles and laughter to so many faces and gave them just as willingly. Jack was a member of Congregational United Church of Christ Neenah-Menasha where our wonderful church family constantly lifted him in prayer. He absolutely loved listening to the choir sing and the organ play. He was known to snore a bit during Pastor Lynne's sermons, but we all know they were snores of love. Jack was a perfect soul born into an imperfect body. He relied on the care of an extensive network of medical professionals, therapists, teachers, and caregivers in addition to his loving family. Dr. William Kasper cared for him so lovingly and well and held everything together for us when things were complicated. For that we are grateful. Jack did his very best no matter what was asked of him. He was tough as nails through unimaginable challenges. He loved openly and joyously and accepted any and all people as his friend. He was the best son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin that a family could ask for. Jack's legacy will live on through his parents, Dan and Bridget (Golden) Balogh, Menasha; his brother, Henry; his sister, Maggie; his grandparents: James and Mary Beth Balogh, Twinsburg, OH; Patrick Golden (Kathy Gamble), Carolina Beach, NC; aunts, uncles, and several cousins. In addition to his Savior, he was greeted in Heaven his grandmother, Joan Golden; and all of his great grandparents. A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Congregational United Church of Christ of Neenah-Menasha (1511 Nicolet Blvd.) with Rev. Lynn Spencer-Smith officiating. Friends will be greeted by Jack's family on Sunday, December 21 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Menasha's Westgor Funeral Home, and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service, directly at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Jack's favorite charities: Make-a-Wish Foundation of WI, Families for HoPE, Caringbridge, or Ronald McDonald House.