Donnie ‘Big Six’ Balik, 66

Dec. 11, 1955 —

April 15, 2022

 

FORMERLY OF RIDGEWAY - Donnie (aka Big Six) Balik, age 66, of Littleton, Colo., formerly of Ridgeway, Iowa, passed away at his home with one of his best friends, Lupe Felix, and his daughter, Jordan Balik by his side, on April 15, 2022.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 23 at Holy Trinity Church in Protivin, Iowa. Visitation will be 11-12 noon. A wake service and burial will follow.

Donnie was born in Cresco, Iowa on Dec. 11, 1955, to Edward and Helen Balik and was raised on a dairy farm by Ridgeway. After he graduated from Crestwood High School in 1974, he pursued a career in the construction industry, working as a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed operating as well as working on the equipment. His career took him to Colorado in 1985. He worked for American Civil Constructors until an illness forced him to retire. 

In his time off, he enjoyed being at home and doing the things he loved — working on his truck, RZR and Harley Davidson motorcycle, hanging out with friends and assembling and operating RC cars. 

Donnie was an amazing father, brother, uncle and friend to anybody who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed. Rest in peace ‘Big Six’. 

Donnie is survived by his daughter, Jordan Balik of Colorado; brothers, John (Sue) Balik of Protivin and Ed Balik Jr. of Cresco; and sisters, Rita (James) Busta of Mountain Grove, Mo., Mary Jo (Ken) Panos of Protivin, Carol (Gene) Winter of Lawler, Iowa and Joann (Mike) Mrachek of Cresco. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews, Mike, Bryan, Rachel, Melissa, Kayla, Tanya, Tracy, Brad, Jason and Megan, 18 great-nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Helen Balik, along with several aunts and uncles.