At the age of 89, Vernon Floyd Balken, of Brooklyn Center, MN, passed away at his home on November 16, 2012. Vernon was born on August 21, 1923 in Akron Township of Wilkin County Minnesota, son of Julius and Emma (Fosse) Balken. He was the ninth of 14 children. He was baptized and confirmed at Hamar Lutheran Church in Rothsay.

He attended country school #5 in Akron Township and graduated from Breckenridge High School. He was a boxer in the Golden Gloves as a lightweight fighter and won a few trophies. Vernon served his country in the Navy from 1948 - 1951. During that time he taught leather carving and woodworking to other sailors. After the service, he became a full-time carpenter, starting in a small cabinet shop. He worked for Honeywell in Minneapolis until his retirement.

In 1951 he married Irene Marie Jump and they had two sons.

On February 14, 1963 he married Darlene Joyce Schulz.

Vernon is remembered as hardworking and frequently building something in his shop. He did a lot of carpentry for his church and friends. He was a little man with a big heart and he was loved by his family. Most of all, he loved Jesus! It was his passion to serve others.

Preceding him in death was his son Daniel Lee, his parents Julius and Emma, brothers Bill, Fred and his wife Hazel, Lester, Roy and his wife Ione, Leonard, infant brother, brother-in-laws Don Barrett and Bob Griffin; sisters Eunice Bergerud and her husband Morris, Evelyn Bilden and her husband Melvin.

Survivors include his wife Darlene, Brooklyn Center, one daughter, Linda (Ron) Fuller, five sons, Bruce (Terri) Balken, Missouri, and Stanley Balken, Arizona; Minneapolis, David Balken, Gary (Stacey) Balken, and Jason Balken, Minneapolis. Sisters Clarice Barrett, Oregon; Jane Griffin, Utah; brothers Earnest Rothsay; Jerome, Washington; Loren (Marline), Fairbault, one sister-in-law Chris Balken, Fergus Falls; 8 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren and many friends and relatives.

Funeral Service 2 PM Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at Lutheran Church of the Master, Brooklyn Center MN. Interment 1PM Friday, November 23, Hamar Lutheran Cemetery, Rothsay MN.