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William John Baletka

  • July 22, 1926 - October 20, 2011
  • Caldwell, Texas
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Memories & Candles

“Sending my heartfelt sympathy to dearest Joyce and family. May Gods loving grace comfort and keep you during this difficult time. With love, Annie Mae ”
1 of 8 | Posted by: Annie Mae Sefcik McNair - Houston, TX

“Joyce & family: Brother John & you were valued members of our Wall, TX community, as he pastored at Wall Brethren Church. Our daughter, a member of...Read More » ”
2 of 8 | Posted by: Louis Fohn - San Angelo, TX

“Because of the good works and great witness of Bro. John and you, Joyce, there are many more souls celebrating in heaven than there would have been...Read More » ”
3 of 8 | Posted by: Jerry and Ellen Hodon - Taylor, TX

“I was so sorry to hear of Brother John's passing from this earthly life, but we know that he is safely home and one day we will all be reunited. He...Read More » ”
4 of 8 | Posted by: Dorothy Milberger - Sealy, TX

“Joyce & Family, may the Lord comfort you in your loss. Bro. John was a very important part of life at our wedding, baptizing our son and giving...Read More » ”
5 of 8 | Posted by: Ken & Kathryn Janicek - Cameron, TX

“Joyce, Words cannot express the Christian influence Bro. John had on me as a teenager and young adult. He was there for guidance during the highs...Read More » ”
6 of 8 | Posted by: Grace Labaj - Temple, TX

“Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss. Much love. ”
7 of 8 | Posted by: Brian Zabcik - Austin, TX

“We will miss Br. John at our Primetimers. He was always smiling. May God Bless you and your family. In Christian Love ”
8 of 8 | Posted by: Marvin & Johnnie Ann Labaj


WILLIAM JOHN BALETKA, JR. William John Baletka, Jr. completed his earthly journey and went to join the Lord on October 20, 2011. He was born in Falls County, Texas to William John Baletka, Sr. and Rosalie Mikulencak Baletka. He graduated from Rosebud High School and the University of Texas at Austin then received his Master of Divinity Degree from the Presbyterian Seminary in Austin, Texas. John was ordained by The Unity of the Brethren in 1951 and began his ministry at the Temple Brethren Church and continued in that pastorate for sixteen years. John traveled to serve the congregations of Granger, Buckholts, and Austin at varying times. In August, 1951, he married Joyce Siptak of Caldwell, Texas. They were blessed by the birth of three sons: John Mark, James Craig, and William Andrew. In 1957, he was instrumental in the development of the Unity of the Brethren's Hus Encampment outside of Caldwell, TX. Throughout the years, the teaching programs and the building facilities were expanded. John and Joyce continued their involvement with the Hus Encampment through 2005. The Baletkas moved to Austin in 1966 and served the Brethren church there for eleven years. In 1977, John accepted a call to serve the Wall Church and continued that pastorate for eight years. In 1985, they moved to Caldwell where he served the nearby New Tabor Brethren Church until his retirement from the active ministry in 1993. On August 16, 2011, John and Joyce celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. John is preceded in death by his parents and his son, William (Bill) Andrew. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Joyce, son Mark and his wife Susan, son Jim and his wife Dawn Marie, his sister Adele Windrum and brother-in-law Joe H. Siptak and his wife Vicki, six grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 22 from 3-7pm at the Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Oct. 23 at 3pm at the New Tabor Brethren Church just outside of Caldwell. Burial will be at the adjacent Church Cemetery. In lieu in flowers, memorials may be made to the Hus Encampment (PO Box 1163, Caldwell, TX 77836) or charity of your choice.