Dorothy Balken

Dorothy Alvina Balken, 89, of Motley, passed away April 4, 2024, at Lakewood Health Care Center, Staples.

A memorial service will be held at Taylor Funeral Home, Staples on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. 

Interment will be on Thursday, April 11 at 1 p.m. at Hammar Cemetery in Rothsay.

Dorothy was born February 27, 1935, to Clarence Irven Henry and Esther Mae Downing in Battle Lake during the Great Depression of farmers.

She married Gordon Balken in 1956, eventually settling with their family in Pine River, where they built their home and legacy.

Throughout Dorothy’s life, she carried with her an adventurous, creative spirit and unshakable resiliency and grace. She was a masterful stained glass artist and gardener, who enjoyed fishing trips with her family and friends, hosting family gatherings, garage sales, cooking, card games, good books and afternoon soap operas. She was known for her smile and kind laugh and brought a calm, happy presence with her everywhere she went, even through life’s hardships. Dorothy was an avid bingo player and loved winning gifts for her great-granddaughter, Isla. She was always busy, creating or trying new things, even zip-lining at age 80.

She was a beloved friend to many and a beacon of strength and love for her family. Her memory will be cherished by her children, one son, Gordon (Angie) Balken, of Concord, NC; one daughter, Eva (Bruce) Haber of Motley; three grandchildren Aaron (Melany) Haber, Sarah (Jake Wilson) Powers and Megan (Paul Williams) Haber; two great-grandchildren, Ethan Haber and Isla Williams; one brother, Duane Henry and many more family and friends.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents; husband; one sister, Ilene Hanson; two brothers, Lyle and Gene Henry; one daughter, Deborah Finney; one son-in-law, Daniel Finney; one daughter-in-law, Maria Balken and one grandson, Bryant Finney.

             w16c A00006B2024AP10