Joseph Edward Balk

Joseph Edward Balk, age 85, of Waucoma, Iowa, passed away on Monday, November 8, 2021 at Mercy One Medical Center in New Hampton, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, November 12, 2021, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Little Turkey, Iowa with Father Nick Radloff officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Little Turkey, Iowa. Visitation will be held at 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. On Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton, Iowa with a Rosary at 3:30 PM and a Scripture Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the mass on Friday. Joseph Eward Balk was born on March 17, 1936 on the family farm near Lawler, Iowa to Leo and Evelyn (Bouska) Balk. Joe attended country school and then Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Lawler. He graduated from Lawler High School in 1954. Joe enlisted in the US Army and received his honorable discharge in 1957. He then returned to the family farm where he farmed with his brother Allen for the next 62 years until his passing. Joe collected farm toys and enjoyed reading war books. He was a member of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Little Turkey and the Lawler American Legion. Joseph is survived by his brothers Allen (Neoma) Balk of Waucoma, Iowa, Melvin Balk and Marvin Balk both of Lawler, Iowa; sister Marvelene Schmitt of Ft. Atkinson, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joseph is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Evelyn Balk. .