Gesina Balster 1863-1954

BALSTER, HEYEN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 11/1/2022 at 07:25:12

September 23, 1954 - The Anamosa Eureka

SCOTCH GROVE - Mrs. J. C. (Gesina) Balster, 91, died in the hospital at Monticello Thursday afternoon, Sept. 16. Mrs. Balster had been in failing health but only recently was confined to the hospital. She had made her home for many years with her daughter Miss Mary Balster, and was the mother of Arend Balster, owner of the Balster stores in Scotch Grove. Another son, Robert, also survives as well as a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral service for Mrs. Balster was held Monday, Sept. 20 at 2:30 p.ml. in the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church and burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.

September 20, 1954 - Monticello Express

Gesina Henricka Balster, 91, passed away at the John McDonald hospital Thursday afternoon, after having been a patient there for the past three months. Funeral services will be held this afternoon (Monday) Sept. 20, at 2:30 p.m. from St. John's Lutheran church, with the pastor, Rev. August K. Stenzel officiating. Burial will be made in the St. John's cemetery. Casket bearers were Leslie M. Balster, Benhard Brokens, C. E. Heyen, Abbott Mayer, James Stadtmueller, and Lyle Tobiason.

Born Gesina Henrika Heye in Repsholt, Germany, Sept. 1, 1863, she was the daughter of Heike Heyen and Maria Wilmers Heyen. On Feb. 4, 1888 she entered the United States and was married to John C. Balster on Jan. 3, 1893 in St. John's Luterhan church by Rev. F. Von Strohe, and they made their home in the Scotch Grove vicinity. She was the last survivor of eight children. Her husband preceded her in death Nov. 23, 1914.

Survivors include two sons, Arend Balster Jr., of Scotch Grove and Robert H. Balster of Isonia, Wis., and a daughter, Mary K. Balster of Scotch Grove. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, three daughters and one son.

She was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran church.

The Goettsch funeral home had charge of arrangements.