RICHARD BALSTER, age 96, of Worthington, formerly of Wilmont, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Sunset Hospice Cottage, in Worthington, surrounded by family. Rich served in the US Marine Corps from August 1951 to August of 1953. He served at the Main Gate in Pearl Harbor. Rich married the love of his life, Carol Springman, on May 15, 1956 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Wilmont, MN. They celebrated 69 years together. They raised six children in Wilmont. Rich worked on his dad's farm and was a farmhand for other farmers in the area. He worked for the postal service as a clerk and rural route carrier. He and his brother, Red also opened Balster's Clover Farm Grocery Store in Wilmont. He served as the postmaster of the Wilmont Post Office. He retired with 30 plus years of service with the US Postal Service. He was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel his entire life. He served on many committees at the church over the years. Rich was a volunteer firefighter for the Wilmont Fire Department for several years. He was also a member of the Wilmont Booster Club and a member of  Wilmont VFW Post 2603. He is survived by his wife, Carol Balster, Worthington; six children, Annette Balster (Ian Sandercock) of Lakeville MN; Mary Ahrendt (Bruce) of Marshall, MN; Jerry Balster (Patty) of Burnsville, MN; Lisa Balster of Eagan, MN; Keith Balster (Jodi) of North Mankato, MN; and Randy Balster (Jen) of Sioux Falls, SD; ten grandchildren, Emily (Lance), Laura, Nate, Julie, Abby, Betsy, Carli (Garrett), Mason, Charlie and Lincoln; three great-grandchildren, Cody, Hazel, and Colter; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna (Lenz) Balster; his five siblings, Sister Francine Balster, Marie Vortherms, Kathleen Jueneman, Franklin (Red) Balster and Robert Balster.

Visitation will be from 9-11 am Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Our Lady Of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Wilmont.  Funeral Mass will be 11am Wednesday at Church with Father Colletti officiating.   Burial with full military honors by Wilmont VFW will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Wilmont.