James W. Balck

Age 64, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2002 at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born in Kaukauna on January 29, 1938, son of the late William and Laura (Hoffman) Balck. He graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1957, and on August 16, 1958, he married Florence Diedrick at Holy Cross Church in Kaukauna. Jim co-owned Kaukauna Floral Company, but due to his failing health he was forced to retire in December of 2001. Jim began working at the Floral in 1954 while still in high school under the guidance of owner John Berkers. Throughout the years, he acquired valuable knowledge and hands on training from John. In 1974, Jim became co-owner of the Floral. He took pride in growing and raising his own bedding plants, hanging baskets, tree geraniums and vegetables. This was evident by the loyalty of his returning customers year after year. If he wasn’t working with the plants at the Floral he was home tending to the numerous flowerbeds, particularly his beautiful impatiens. Additionally, he enjoyed growing a multitude of vegetables in his garden. Jim was a member of the Oxbow Sportsmen’s Club in Hilbert where he released pheasants and enjoyed hunting. Furthermore, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. The downtime spent between hunting and fishing was time he made for a game or two of cribbage or horseshoes. The cribbage board was a must with his hunting and fishing gear.

Jim is survived by his wife: Florence Balck of Kaukauna; six loving children: Mary Balck of Kaukauna; Gail (Dennis) Judkins of Kaukauna; Karen (Joseph) Millard of Hatley; Richard (Tracy) Balck of Kaukauna; Amy (Steve) Hinz of Kaukauna; Chris (Debbie) Balck of Kaukauna; eight grandsons: Dan, Domenic, and Alex Judkins; Jeremy and Jon Millard; Cody and Ryan Balck; William Hinz; his mother-in-law: Verna Diedrick of Kaukauna; a sister-in-law: Gussie Balck of Combined Locks. Jim is also survived by Florence’s sisters and brother: Patricia (David) Brinkman of Kaukauna; Janice (Allen) Champeau of Brillion; Bill (Mary) Diedrick of Stockbridge, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard Balck, Robert (Rose) Balck, and George Balck, and by his father-in-law Clarence Diedrick.

The funeral liturgy for Jim will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 6, 2002 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna, with Fr. Jim Lucas officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 4 – 8 PM Friday at the funeral home and again Saturday at the church from Noon until the hour of the service. There will be a parish prayer and scripture service at the funeral home on Friday at 7:00 PM. A memorial fund in Jim’s name has been established.

The family would like to thank our wonderful hospice workers for their exceptional care, with a special thanks to Kelly.

To the Love of my life: Thanks for the memories, especially our fishing trips which always gave us a lot of laughs and stories. Every month when the full moon shines bright, I will know you are watching and telling a story. Love you always. ‘Till we meet again, Florence.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200