Jeanne Balk, 69

Jan. 24, 1951 —

June 10, 2020

 

Cresco - Jeanne M. Balk, age 69, of Cresco, Iowa, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes, Iowa, with Father Jerry Kopacek officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery. 

Jeanne Marie Olson was born on Jan. 24, 1951, the daughter of Orvin J. and Mildred L. (Melver) Olson in Pasco, Wash. Her family moved back to Cresco when she was five. On Sept. 11, 1971, she married Ronald Balk at Assumption Catholic Church in Cresco. 

 Jeanne was a very loving woman with lots of patience. She welcomed anyone into her home and could whip up a meal without a moment’s notice. She was the perfect partner on the farm for Ron. She took care of the banking, made sure there was a meal waiting for him and helped any other way that she could. She was known for baking delicious chocolate chip cookies and chocolate sundae pie. 

When she wasn’t helping with the farm, Jeanne exercised her creative side by creating crafts, knitting socks and quilting. All of her materials and craft supplies were kept well organized. She was a neat and tidy person, which was evident in all aspects of her life. She will be remembered for her loving nature and kind hospitality. 

Jeanne is survived by her husband, Ron of Cresco; four children, Tammy (Andy) Tauferner of Rochester, Minn., Tracy (Shannon) Hett of Manly, Iowa, Scott Balk of Elma, Iowa and Dan (Brandi) Balk of Lime Springs, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Will, Dinah and Rachel Tauferner, Chris (Bailey) Hett and Angie Hett and Landon, Hayden and Ryleigh Myers; sister, Janice Weston of Nashua, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. 

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Raymond and Robert Olson.