Wanda Balk, 79

Wanda Lou Balk, 79, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly early Thursday morning, March 27, 2014 at her home.

She was born March 24, 1935 in Three Rivers, only child of the late Albert and Bernice (Roe) Baumert.

Mrs. Balk resided in Sturgis for the past 22 years. Her early life was spent in Centreville where she was a graduate of Centreville High School with the class of 1953.

On June 12, 1955 she married Kenneth Balk at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Centreville.

Wanda was employed by the Centreville Public Schools for several years and also worked at Denton Mills in Centreville. Wanda was a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Centreville where she belonged to the Ladies Aid.

Wanda enjoyed reading, collecting crosses and dearly loved time spent with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Balk; two daughters, Kendra K. Bell and Karen Kristine (Raymond) Bell, both of Sturgis; two sons, Timothy Tad (Paula) Balk of Elkhart, Ind. and Thomas Ted (April) Balk of Butler, Pa.; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Ken) Bickle, Christopher (Jessica) Bell, Evan (Julie) Balk, Daniel (Leah) Balk, Jessica Bell, David Balk, Raychel Bell and Nicole Balk; two great-grandchildren, Madison Balk and Owen Bickle; her grand puppies, Dexter and Remington.

In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 10-10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Centreville where a memorial service celebrating the life of Wanda Lou Balk will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The Rev. David Grimm will officiate. A graveside committal and burial of the ashes will follow the service at the Nottawa Cemetery in Nottawa.

The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Balk’s memory consider the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 600 W. Burr Oak St. in Centreville.

The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.