Susan Balken

Susan Balken, 76, of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, December 21, 2024 at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

Susan Kay Schultz was born August 25, 1948 to Donald William and Doris O. (Hauger) Schultz in Rothsay, MN. She attended school in Rothsay, graduating in 1966. In the fall of 1966, she attended New York Hairstyling in Fargo. It was her dream from second grade to be a hairstylist. She worked as a hairstylist in Fargo and Fergus Falls. She worked at Hair Productions in Fargo for two years and during her last year there, moved to Rothsay and opened Sue's Hair Care. She worked at both salons for seven years until she became established in Rothsay.

As a single mom, the light of Sue's life was born in 1978, Christopher Owen Schultz. Becoming a mother was the greatest blessing of her life.

In 1990, Sue married an amazing father to her son, Lynn Balken. It was a marriage filled with much love, many laughs, much joy, and never knowing what was going to be said or done next...Priceless! After marrying Lynn and moving to Fergus Falls, Sue worked at Glamour Beauty Salon, Hallmark for 15 years, The Market, and Olson Funeral Home.

Sue was a cancer survivor, she endured Crohn's for 35 years and took it all as what will be will be "It's all in God's hands."

Her pride and joy were her grandchildren. She loved going out to eat with Chris and spending time with him. She loved her flower garden in River Oaks and her container gardens at the condo. Being in her flower gardens was "Her Happy Place." Sue also loved spending time with her best friend, Pam, and all their many adventures and taking pictures.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Don and Doris Schultz; her husband, Lynn Balken, and step-son, Brian Balken.

Sue is survived by her children, Christopher (Sara) Schultz of Fargo, Kristi Larson of Hudson, WI, Lauri (Steve) Woodrich of Rockford, MN, and Brent (Dimple) Balken of Fargo; grandchildren, Reece, Chelsea, Haley, Alex, Sadie, Andrew, Isaac, and Sophia; brother, Dale Schultz of Fargo; nephews, Darin, Dustin, and Drew.

Memorials are preferred to American Red Cross, Cancer Society, and Partners in Rothsay.

Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2024 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Clergy: Reverend David Strom

Interment: Hamar Cemetery, Rothsay, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com