Johanna P. Balster (1922-2020)

BALSTER, KETELSEN, HANSEN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/1/2020 at 20:29:10

Johanna P. Balster age 97 of Clinton, passed away Friday July 24, 2020 at The Alverno Health Care Center in Clinton. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday July 28th at Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held Tuesday 10:00 AM until the service hour at the church. Burial will be at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Tom and Matthew Balster, Keith Jackson, and Tom Bass.Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.

Johanna was born on Dec. 30, 1922 in Caledonia, MN, the daughter of Conrad and Marcia (Ketelsen) Hansen and moved to Iowa at an early age. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and graduated from Lyons High School in 1941 as a member of the National Honor Society. She married John Balster on Jan. 7, 1943 in Clinton; he died in 2000. John had served in the 34th Infantry (Red Bulls), 5th Army throughout Africa, Italy, France, and Austria in WWII before returning home after a two year absence and met their son for the first time. Johanna worked at the Clinton Herald, the Clinton National Bank, and retired from Nabisco after 20 years’ service in 1983. At Nabisco she worked as an executive secretary, payroll accountant, and payroll supervisor.

Johanna was extremely active in service to the community including a charter member of the Lutheran Church of the Atonement serving as council member and treasurer; advisor and Director of Junior Achievement; member of SCORE; United Way Budget and Allocation Committee for six years; Treasurer of Mercy Auxiliary as well as Bazaar ticket chairman, auditing committee, gift shop and Information Desk volunteer, Recovery Room volunteer, Cholesterol Screening volunteer, and awarded “Woman of Action” title; Treasurer of Fantasy of Lights for 11 years; member of Sarah Circle; AMVETS Auxiliary; Tri S; and Board of Directors and past President of the Clinco Community Credit Union for 35 years.

Johanna is survived by her son, John (Marsha) Balster of Mundelein, IL; daughter, Jane Balster of Clinton; grandsons, J. Aaron Balster of Mundelein, IL and Matthew (Fran) Balster of Elmhurst, IL; and a great grandson, Ian Balster of Garner, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, son David, daughter Kathryn, and a brother Connie.

Visitation will be held Tuesday 10:00 AM until the service hour at the church.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday July 28th at Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family.