Carol L. Balcerak

Carol Louise Yusko Balcerak, 85, of Baytown, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024, at her residence with her husband and children at her side.

Carol was born December 31, 1938, in East Chicago, Indiana, to parents Michael Anthony and Elizabeth Ann Santay Yusko, grew up in Whiting, Indiana, and has resided in Baytown for the past 55 years.  She was a graduate of Whiting High School, attended Indiana University, and was a secretary for Standard Oil, where she was known for her mastering of shorthand. Carol was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters.

Carol was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and lived for spending time with her family. She loved babies and raising children. Not only did she raise her family, she was every family member’s best friend and instilled values that will carry on always.

A New Year’s Eve baby, Carol loved celebrating all holidays, and was especially fond of Christmas, often called “Christmas Carol” by her family and friends. She also enjoyed reading, working on photo albums, taking cruises, trips to the casino, and lighthouses. She was the best road trip travel companion ever and loved cheering on her grandkids.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: William and Patty Balcerak, Steve and Leona Sirko, Fred Ehlers, and Frank Sperka.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years Jerome William “Jerry” Balcerak; children Kimberle Erwin and husband David, Carolyn Durham and husband Eddie, Dianne Balcerak, and Brett Balcerak and wife Tracey; siblings Janet Sperka, Nancy Serafin and husband Ralph, and Laura Ehlers; grandchildren Michael Erwin and wife Emily, Jared Erwin, Erika Erwin, Rachel Erwin, Elizabeth Durham, Lola Durham, Taryn Watters and husband Jarod, and Taelor Ginn; great grandchildren Evangeline and Theodore Erwin, Loralei Watters, and Rayleigh Melton; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Donations can be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 800 W. Baker Rd., Baytown, TX, 77521, (stjohnbaytown.org).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol L. Balcerak, please visit our floral store.