Hugo I Balk Sr.

Hugo I. Balk Sr., age 85, of North Mankato, died Thursday, February 16, 2006 at Immanuel St. Josephs Hospital in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 20, 2006 at St. Pauls Catholic Church in Nicollet, with Rev. Edward J. Ardolf officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Sunday at Mankato Mortuary, and continues one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Memorials are preferred to the School Sisters of Notre Dame or to St. Pauls Catholic Church.

Hugo was born on September 25, 1920 in St. Benedict, Iowa. He was the son of Henry and Laura (Hammer) Balk. Hugo served his country in the U.S. Marines during WWII from 1942 to 1945 in the South Pacific Theatre. He was united in marriage to Agnes C. Miller on May 9, 1947 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. Agnes passed away on May 15, 1966. Hugo later married Donna V. (Filzen) Hlavac on June 15, 1985 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato. He was employed for 45 years with Bankers Life & Casualty of Chicago, serving southern Minnesota. Hugo was a former member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato, and was currently with St. Pauls Catholic Church in Nicollet. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Morson-Ario VFW Post 9713, and the American Legion Post 11. Hugo enjoyed fishing, hunting, nature, being outdoors, and playing cards.

Hugo is survived by his wife, Donna of North Mankato; seven sons, Daniel (Becky) Balk of Isanti, Michael Balk of Fairmont, Hugo (Marlene) Balk Jr. of Waseca, Peter (Lori) Balk of St. Peter, Paul Krueger of Rochester, Jeffrey Krueger of Fairmont, and Richard (Rowan) Pepper of Mankato; six daughters, Judith Balk, Susan (Larry) Gilster, and Mary (Roger) Hale all of Mankato, Cynthia (Bruce) Foulkrod of Lakeville, Kristine (Kevin) Bidwell of Napoleon, OH, and Theresa (Phil) Goodyear of Good Thunder; 32 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; five step children, Steve (Karen) Hlavac of North Mankato, Debby (Kevin) McGuire of Eagle Lake, Bev (Michael) White of Mankato, Linda Kump of Mankato, and Bill (Mary) Hlavac of North Mankato; 12 step grandchildren; 1 step great-granddaughter; three siblings, Darlene Puchner of Nebraska, Joyce (C.J.) Andresen of LeSueur, and Edward (Alice) Balk of Montgomery; also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Hugo was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Agnes; one brother, Wilbur Balk; one sister, Mildred Aalid.