Donald "Don" Martin Balk

   Donald “Don” Martin Balk, age 67, of Worthington, died Saturday, May 14, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born August 2, 1954, in Adrian, to Lloyd and Mildred (Lais) Balk. Don graduated from the Worthington High School in 1972. After high school, Don worked many different jobs which allowed him the time and freedom to enjoy his spur of the moment trips with the boys. Then in 1979 he moved to Sioux Falls where he worked at Pheoll Manufacturing distributing nuts and bolts.        

   Donald married Patricia ”Pat” Scholtes in Wilmont, MN on April 25, 1981. The couple lived in Sioux Falls until they purchased Gateway Service & Café in Worthington, where they later made their home.

   Fishing was one of Don’s favorite things to do. From summer to winter and from America to Canada; Don loved to fish. Along with fishing, he enjoyed hunting, camping, and was known to stop by the casino from time to time. He was an avid pinochle player. He was always playing for the "championship of the world!"

   Don is survived by his wife, Pat Balk, Worthington; three children, Chantell Balk, Edina, MN; Michelle Balk, Wilmont, MN; and Dallas Balk, Garvin, MN; one grandchild, Ella Balk; one brother, Dave Balk, Buffalo, MN; one sister, Juliann Sturm, Maple Plain, MN; parents-in-law, Rod and Donna Scholtes Wilmont, MN; sisters-in-law, Julie Balk, Wilmont, MN, Marianne Balk, Montevideo, MN, Cindy (Jeff) Kennedy, Pea Ridge, AR, Stacey Morrison, Wilmont, MN; brothers-in-law, Lowell (Pam) Scholtes, Slayton, MN, Wesley (Patty) Scholtes, Worthington, MN.

    He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Mildred; two brothers, William Balk and Mark Balk; one sister, Mary Strain; two brothers-in-law, Clayton Strain and Jerry Sturm; and three sisters in law; Kay Balk, Dee-Dee Wood, and Audrey Kolander.

   A time of fellowship will be held at the Dingmann Funeral Home, in Worthington, from 5pm-8pm Tuesday, May 17.

   A Memorial Mass will be Wednesday at 10:30am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in Worthington; officiated by Fr. James Callahan. A time of fellowship will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. There will be a luncheon to follow after the service.

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