Balk, Dorothy Mae (Kach) 1920 - 2011

BALK, KACH, MACKENBURG, OMAR, BRENNO

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 2/5/2016 at 15:44:11

Dorothy Balk, 91, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away on, Thursday, October, 6, 2011 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Dorothy Mae (Kach) Balk, the daughter of the late Ernest and Emma (Kach), was born on May 15, 1920 in Cresco. At an early age, she was nicknamed Mabel and has been known as Mabel ever since. She attended rural schools in Howard County through the eighth grade. Mabel married Louie Balk on February 13, 1939 at St. Joseph’s Church in Cresco. To this union, three children were born: Willard, Dale and Dean.

Shortly after their marriage, Mabel was instrumental in helping Louie get started in the trucking business after purchasing their first truck. Throughout the years, the business grew to the current Louie Balk Lime and Ready Mix. She could be found at the shop every Saturday morning up until her passing. During their 52 years of marriage, Louie and Mabel enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., Mexico and Japan.

Mabel was very active in the church. This included being president of the Altar and Rosary Societies, a sacristan and a willing volunteer. She was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.

Some of Mabel’s hobbies were golf, knitting and bowling. She was inducted into the Cresco Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame in 1986. Mabel’s latest hobby was playing bridge with her good friends. The members of the bridge club treated her with kindness and great respect.

She is survived by her sons, Willard (Marilyn) Balk, Dale (Susan) Balk, Dean (Melodee) Balk; six grandchildren, Brian Balk, Brenda (Dean) Mackenburg, Kris (Tom) Omar, Benjamin Balk, Brad (Amber) Balk and Bret Balk; six great-grandchildren, Breanne, Bethany and Baylee Balk, Alicia and Alex Mackenburg and Bliss Balk; one sister, Irene (Nathan) Brenno; and one brother, Donald (Bud) Kach.

Mabel was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Louie in 1991 and one brother, Percy Kach.

Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy “Mabel” Balk will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Notre Dame Parish in Cresco, with Father Dennis Cahill officiating. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. Friends may call at the Conway-Hindt-Hudek Funeral home in Cresco from 4-7 p.m. on Monday October 10, 2011. Visitation will continue on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Source: Lime Springs Herald, Oct. 10, 2011

Calvary Cresco Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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