Joseph D. Balser

December 9, 1967 - May 24, 2026

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Thursday 5/28, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Thursday 5/28, 7:30 pm

Joseph Dean Balser, 58, of Lafayette, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 9, 1967, in Lafayette, Indiana, Joe lived a life marked by hard work, adventure, faith and loyalty. Joe graduated from Seeger High School and served in the Army from 1986 to 1993.

On June 6, 1987, he married Teresa G. Boston in Louisville, KY and she survives. Joseph worked at Caterpillar for over 25 years. He was a lifetime member of EAA, belonging to chapter #256. Racing was one of his greatest passions, and over the years, he raced with ASA, ARCA, I-Car Modifieds and attended Gathering Point Church. Joe enjoyed flying, racing, motorcycle riding and farming.

Surviving along with his wife is his mother Mary Lynn Balser of Wiiliamsport, children Amanda R. (husband Kyle Trapp) Boston of Lafayette, Christopher Dean (wife Penni Balser) Balser of Dayton, grandchildren Eva Jo Wynne of Lebanon and Dean O. Neal of Lafayette. Also surviving is his sister Christina (Balser) Market of Rensselaer.

The race is finished, the skies are open and Joe is finally at peace.

Visitation will be from 5:30 pm until the time of the service at 7:30 pm on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Jim Paulsen

Heather Suiter

Greg Bender

Micah Borga

Kent puetz

Amanda Boston

Becky Ptice

Becky Price

Amanda Ranney

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

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Thursday 5/28, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Map

Thursday 5/28, 7:30 pm

Send Flowers & Gifts

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I worked with Joe for many years at Cat, He was a great coworker and friend. He always took his emissions test cell responsiblities very seriously, always noticing when someithing wasn't reading exactly as it should be. He did his very best all the time even when no one noticed. I found him to be honest, just, and telling the truth even when it wasn't popular, or appreaciated. Joe had integrity. That's why I had a high respect for Joe and was proud to call him my friend. May God's grace in Christ Jesus be upon you Joe for eternity.

I met Joe when we stopped by the air park for one of his famous fly-ins that he would organize. We decided to buy land next to Teresa and Joe because we liked them so much and it was a great opportunity. We would spend many weekend nights out by the fire just shooting the breeze. Sometimes the weather was a bit iffy but we always had a great time. Keep racing, flying and riding motorcycles in heaven.

I got to know Joe through our EAA Airplane Club and I found out that, if it moved, somehow Joe was either riding it or flying in it. From horses, racecars, motorcycles, and airplanes, Joe had a zest for all things that moved. Thanks you Joe for all your support and ideas you shared with our EAA Chapter and the fun time we had up at the Oshkosh Air Show. God Speed on your next journey, we'll always remember you here.

In memory of Joseph D. Balser, Jim Paulsen lit a candle

I am going to miss you, Joe.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Mary Lynn, Tina and the entire Balser Family, I am saddened to hear of Joe’s passing, I extend my heartfelt sympathies and prayers to you. It was good growing up on the prairie as Joe, Joe Little and me were the Locust Grove/Tab kids in the same class. Joe and I have seen each other a few times in the last forty years and he was always always up to something exciting for sure! I always remember when we took Drivers Education over the summer at Benton Central High School. The teachers conducting the training was allowed to pick their students for the hands-on driving portion. Our Agriculture teacher picked Joe Balser, Joe Little and me for his car; all country kids that had already been driving for quite some time. We got in the car, Jody in the driver seat, Joe Little and me in the back, our teacher leaned his seat back partially, tilted his hat down and said “ok boys lets run up to Purdue for a little look around, wake me up when we get there”. But of course we did learn how to parallel park in the end, since we had no experience in that task on the farm! I was just wondering about Joe a week ago as I am making the pilgrimage back to Indiana soon for the Warren County Fair. I’m truly sorry for your loss. Kevin Brown

In memory of Joseph D. Balser, Heather Suiter lit a candle

My deepest sympathy to the Balser family.

In memory of Joseph D. Balser, Micah Borga lit a candle

Going too miss you buddy

To a man who dreamed and made his dreams come true.

Joe was a great person to work with at Caterpillar and was always full of surprises. You just never knew what you would come into work and hear or see. He was one of a kind and will be sadly missed. My condolences go out to his family. RIP Joe!

In memory of Joseph D. Balser, Becky Ptice lit a candle

In memory of Joseph D. Balser, Becky Price lit a candle

I have such wonderful memories of spending time with both of you in Lafayette and at Oshkosh. I really enjoyed my trip to Slinger last July and hearing Joe's racing stories. Joe was an incredible man who will be deeply missed by everyone.

Our thoughts and prayers for grace and peace. Joe will always be remembered fondly, until we meet again.

In memory of Joseph D. Balser, Amanda Ranney lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.