Joseph Michael Balfanz, age 47, of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away on August 8, 2023, at his home in Roberts, Wisconsin.

Joseph was born on August 23, 1975, to parent’s Michael Balfanz and Audrey (Anderson) Seidling in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Growing up, Joseph, better known as Joe, played various sports, but hockey was his favorite of them all. At age 6, Joe first started playing hockey and he continued to compete through high school. Joe was a fierce competitor on the ice and spent a lot of time traveling to games and tournaments. At a young age, Joe also entered Punt, Pass and Kick competitions, and was in the top 10 in the state. After graduating from Hudson High School, Joe served in the Army National Guard for 6 years. Later, Joe earned certifications in exercise science and nutrition to pursue his passion for personal training and would go on to help hundreds of clients achieve their fitness goals.

On June 22^nd, 1996, Joe married Melanie Lowell and embraced her daughter (Jamie) as his own. Shortly after, Joe and Melanie welcomed their daughter (Ashley) into the world.

Early on, Joe learned carpentry skills from his father and found his passion to build and create. With over 25 years in the construction trade, Joe knew most skill sets, but he loved working as a finish carpenter and became a successful entrepreneur by starting his own construction company. Joe worked on residential and commercial buildings, putting his high-level of quality work first. As you walk the halls and gather for Joe’s Celebration of Life, you will be surrounded by his craftsmanship at O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.

Joe was a successful personal trainer and ran his own gym. He took part in Classic Physique Shows from 2012-2015, making multiple appearances to the national stage. Joe enjoyed his morning coffee and when the alarm sounded, he was ready to start his day. Joe enjoyed cooking and creating his own recipes for his family. Joe’s love for his family and friends was deep and genuine. He was open with his feelings and opinions, but his love language was serving others with his talents. The things Joe enjoyed most were a good meal, a motorcycle ride, and taking a trip down to Florida. He loved the sun on his face and sand on his feet.  He was self-motivated and had the most perseverance and fight a person could have, and this was true to the very end.

Joe is survived by his partner Cara Rubis; children Jamie Balfanz, Ashley (Charles Okray) Balfanz; parents Michael (Susan) Balfanz, Audrey (Gary) Seidling; siblings Jeremy Balfanz, Michael Balfanz, Emma Balfanz; step-sisters Tonya and Kelley, nieces and nephews Austin, Avaya, Ian, Parker; grandmother Donna Froelich.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Donna and Edwin Balfanz; aunts and uncles Jeffery Balfanz, Kathy Balfanz, Gayle Anderson, Jeffery Anderson; best friend James Nobley.

A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11^th Street, Hudson, WI 54016 on Tuesday, August 15^th, 2023 from 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

In memory of Joe’s spirit, dress code for the celebration is colorful and casual.

Funeral services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.