Francis R. Balk, 91, of Belvidere, Illinois formerly of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin died peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2020 at Northwood Care Center in Belvidere, Illinois. Francis was born July 25, 1929 in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin to Joseph and Anna (Schmucker) Balk. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.
In 1959, Francis moved his family to Illinois. Living in the Belvidere/Rockford area where he worked and retired from Greenlee Bros. He enjoyed working with his hands, whether gardening, fixing up houses, working on cars and other equipment, or making thin pancakes and other sweets in the kitchen. He always loved a good joke. Francis loved spending time with his family. For the little ones he always had a smile, a tease, and a folded dollar bill in the palm of his hand.
Francis is survived by his two daughters, Cindy (James) Osenga of Janesville, Wisconsin and Cheryl (Robert) McDowall of Homosassa, Florida; his grandchildren, Kathryn (Jason) Thoms, Matthew (Jennie) Osenga of Janesville, Wisconsin and Tyler McDowall of Mt. Zion, Illinois; six great-grandchild
ren, and two great-great-granddaughters. He also leaves behind a sister, Mary Thompson and sister-in-law, Lois Balk and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ann aka Skip (Art) Schmitt; brothers, Joseph Balk, Arnold (Lois) Balk, James Balk, Richard Balk, Henry Balk; and brother-in-law, Michael Thompson; and his ex-spouse, Beverly A Dremmel.
A Family Graveside Service at Calvary Cemetery, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin will be held.
Memorials can be made to Smile Train, Mayo Clinic, St. Jude’s or charity of your choice.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is assisting the family with arrangements.