MILDRED CATHERINE BALK, age 85, of Wilmont, died, Friday, June 30, 2006 at Luverne Hospice Cottage. She was born February 9, 1921 in St. Kilian to parents Mark and Martha (Fritz) Lais. She received her education at St. Kilian Catholic School. Mildred was united in marriage to Lloyd Peter Balk on November 27, 1944 at St. Kilian Catholic Church. They were engaged in farming East of Lismore. In 1959, they moved to the Balk family farm near Wilmont. They farmed until 1970 and then moved into Wilmont. Mildred started working for the Wilmont Caf? and worked there until 1995. Mildred was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, traveling and fishing. She is survived by her children, Dave Balk, Buffalo, MN; Mary (Clayton) Strain, Rochester, MN; Bill (Julie) Balk, Wilmont, MN; Don (Pat) Balk, Worthington, MN; Mark (Marianne) Balk, Alexandria, MN; and Juliann (Jerry) Sturm, Maple Plain, MN; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren; brothers, Ralph (Millie) Lais, Magnolia, MN; and Alfred (Betty) Lais, Plainview, MN; sister, Grace Persing, Sioux Falls, SD. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lloyd on May 16, 1984 and four brothers.