Jerome Duane “Jerry” Balken (1932-2017)

Jerome Duane “Jerry” Balken

Birth

27 Jan 1932

Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, USA

Death

26 Apr 2017 (aged 85)

Renton, King County, Washington, USA

Burial

Tahoma National Cemetery

Kent, King County, Washington, USA Add to Map

Plot

Section 10A Site 486

Memorial ID

View Source

NOTE: Born in FERGUS FALLS [marriage record] or ROTHSAY [obituary], both in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Rothsay also in Wilkins Co..

Minnesota, U.S., Birth Index, 1900-1934
Name: Jerome Duane Balken
Birth Date: 27 Jan. 1932
Birth Place: *OTTER TAIL [County], Minnesota, USA
Father's Surname: Balken
Mother's Maiden Name: Fosse
Certificate Number: 1932-19691
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Renton Reporter
Renton, Washington
Friday, 12 May 2017

JEROME (JERRY) BALKEN
Jerome, (Jerry), 85, passed away on Wednesday April 26, 2017 after a long illness.

He was born the *12th [sic] [13th] of 14 children to Julius and Emma Balken in Rothsay, MN.

After graduating from Rothsay High School, and years of farming, he joined the Army and served for 2 years. Opportunity called and he headed west stopping to cowboy and ranch a few years in Montana, then into Washington where he was hired in at Boeing enjoying an exemplary 36 year career as an inspector.

Jerry married his wife, Sherril, in 1960, and together raised their three children in Renton, wa. The family joined St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in 1971 and actively participated in the growth and care of the church. He was a genuine handy man always offering his skills to friends and family without a second thought. Over the years he was active in Little League, Kiwanis Club, OEC, Boeing Retirement Club, American Legion, VFW, The Sons of Norway and Mentored in the Renton School District.

Jerry was proud of his Norwegian heritage, sharing his lifelong love of music and dance through the "Good-Timers" dance band he and his wife had for over 30 years, as well as the countless jam sessions played in a living room, barn or near a campfire. His interests included camping, fishing, reading, travel, cheering for the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks but Jerry's greatest love was his family.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sherril, daughters Sharolyn Canady, Lori (Tony) Parise, son Ken Balken, brother Loren (Marlene) Balken, sister Jane Griffin and his beloved 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.