Roy Balken

Roy Eugene Balken, 90, a resident of Rothsay, died Friday, November 14, 2008 at his home. Roy was born on June 5, 1918 on the family farm near Rothsay, the son of Julius and Emma (Fosse) Balken. Growing up, he worked on the family farm and attended school at District 5 country school. Later, he worked for several local farmers. He worked in the Civilian Conservation Corp training program.  In 1940, he married Ione Lein of rural Rothsay.   Roy worked as a mechanic for Lindberg Motors of Rothsay while Ione taught rural school. In 1942, the family moved to Tacoma, WA, where Roy worked in the shipyards, helping build military ships. In 1944, the family moved back to Rothsay and Roy entered the United States Army. During that time, Ione lived with her parents, Ottin and Edith Lein, while she taught in various schools in the area. Upon being discharged from the Army, Roy went to work for Harvey Morrill road construction, driving heavy equipment. In 1948, Roy purchased farm land and also took over the Lein farm from Ione’s parents. Besides small grain farming, they raised chickens and built up a dairy herd. He farmed actively until 1983. He loved farming, John Deere tractors, playing cards and visiting with family and friends. Roy was an active member of the Foxhome Sportsman’s Club, Rothsay American Legion Post, Rothsay Lions and was a member of Hamar Lutheran Church, serving in several capacities on the church board. Roy was a loving, cheerful family man and friend.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Ione; siblings, Eunice Bergerud, William, Fred, Evelyn Bilden, Lester, Leonard and an infant brother that died at birth; brothers-in-law, Morris Bergerud, Robert Griffin, and Don  Barrett; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Mrs. Earnest) Balken, and Irene (Mrs. Vernon) Balken; and daughters-in-law, Sharon Balken and Cheri Balken. Survivors include, two sons, Lynn (Sue) Balken of Fergus Falls, and Gene Balken of Fargo; grandchildren, Kristi Jensen, Lauri (Steve) Woodrich, Brian Balken, Brent Balken, Christopher (Sara) Schultz, Nicki (Nick) Majerus, and Jenna Balken; great grandchildren, Reece Smedstad, Chelsea and Haley Woodrich, Alex and Sadie Balken, and Andrew and Issac Schultz; step great grandchildren, Ryan and Jill Dickenson and Jill’s son, Carson; sisters, Clarice (Mrs. Don) Barrett of Portland, OR,  and Jane (Mrs. Robert) Griffin of Provo, UT; brothers, Vernon (Darlene) of Brooklyn Center, MN, Earnest (Elaine) of Rothsay, Jerome (Sherrill) of Renton, WA and Loren (Marlene) of Fairbault, MN; and two sisters-in-law, Christivea (Mrs. Leonard) Balken and Marjorie (Mrs. Lester Balken) Delzer, both of Fergus Falls. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday with public prayer service at 6:45 p.m. at Grina Funeral Home in Rothsay. Visitation will resume one hour prior to  the service at the church. Service: 1 p.m. Wednesday at New Life Lutheran Parish, Hamar Church, Rothsay Clergy:  Reverend Paul Huso Burial: Hamar Cemetery, Rothsay, MN  Military Participation by the Rothsay and Fergus Falls American Legions and the Fergus Falls VFW Arrangements: Grina Funeral Home of Rothsay Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com