Obituary of Marlene G. Balman

 

October 31, 1945 - January 6, 2024

78 Years

 

Mom was born to John K and Elsa Janzen on October 31st, 1945. Mom was born premature, weighing just over two pounds. Her first crib was a shoe box and her head fit into a teacup. She lived in Rosthern until the age of eight and then the family moved to Waldheim where Mom lived for the rest of her life. She attended school until grade eight when she had to discontinue her academic career due to severe migraines. Mom then babysat full-time for a local family.

On a beautiful summer day, Clarence Balman noticed Marlene in the corn patch which led to their marriage on May 2, 1964, at the Zoar Mennonite Church. Their marriage blessed them with four children, Bertha, Linda, Pamela, and Peter. Mom was a dutiful housewife which as kids we were thankful for as she was home every day when we came home from school. Mom was kept busy with school plays, teacher interviews, sporting events and generally going to any activity that her children were involved in. At Peter's hockey games, Mom froze her hands and feet and was hit several times by the puck. Mom continued in her love of caring for children by babysitting her granddaughters, Candace and Amy and later on she babysat her younger sister Helinda's son Cody while Helinda was at work.

Mom enjoyed passing the time doing search a words, playing cards and competitive games of Skip-Bo. She loved Skip-Bo so much that she played with an invisible partner, who won most of the time. Mom wasn't the greatest cook, but her homemade fish and chips, cabbage rolls and sweet and sour ribs were the best ever.

After Dad passed in 2002, Mom lived a few more years in the house before selling and moving into Duplex #7. She eventually moved into unit #19 in the Westview Pioneer Lodge.

The first car that Mom bought on her own was an Oldsmobile Achieva that she called her little green bug. She loved to go for drives, and it was her pride and joy. Later on, we were able to get Mom into a new Honda Civic, which she had three of.

Mom attended Grace Mennonite Church, where she was involved in ladies' aid, after the church closed, she attended the Mennonite Brethren Church.

Mom was silent but strong, steady, and true and always there for us. Mom loved her family and was sure to tell us she loved us and how proud she was of us.

Mom passed away peacefully on January 6th, 2024, with family by her side. She left us to be with Dad and the Lord, we wish she could have stayed with us just a little longer.

Mom will be fondly and deeply remembered by: her daughters Bertha, Lynn, Pamela and her daughters Candace (Brett) and Amy; son Peter; brother Robert (Ann); sisters Carrie, Elnora (Vern), Sharon (Ken), Helinda, and their families.

Mom was predeceased by her parents John K and Elsa Janzen, husband Clarence Balman, son-in-law Dale Fehr, brother Ernie, and son-in-law Miles Moorman.

 

PUBLIC VIEWING

Friday, January 12, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 P.M.

Waldheim MB Church

5003 2nd Ave East

Waldheim, SK

 

FUNERAL SERVICE

Friday, January 12, 2024

1:00 P.M.

Waldheim MB Church

5003 2nd Ave East

Waldheim, SK

 

Livestream link for Marlene's Funeral Service

 

(Please Note*** When viewing the livestream, the recorded songs will be paused during the funeral because of copyright licenses and the livestream will continue after the end of each song.)

 

OFFICIATING

Pastor Kim Worthington

 

INTERMENT

Waldheim Cemetery

 

Arrangements entrusted to Funk's Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK

 

---

 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marlene Balman, please visit Tribute Store