LeRoy R. Balza

Age 99, passed away Friday, February 6, 2004 at St. Paul Home. LeRoy was born August 11, 1904 in Green Bay, son of the late Joseph and Cora (Walls) Balza. LeRoy married the former Lucille Powell on October 6, 1924 in Kaukauna; Lucille preceded him in death in February of 1984.

LeRoy raised his family on a small farm near Kaukauna while also working at Thilmany Pulp and Paper. In 1947, he purchased the Deep Rock service station in Kaukauna and in 1967 he relocated his business to the DX Station, also known as Balza’s Auto. LeRoy retired in 1969. Many will remember LeRoy as an active fisherman, card player, and pool player.

Survivors include four children: LeRoy J. (JoAnn) Balza of Darboy; Sr. Norma Balza of Manitowoc; Richard (Jean) Balza of Kaukauna; and Edee (Lloyd) Vandeyacht of Darboy; nine grandchildren: Randy Kihlman, Barbara (Bill) Birkholz, Karen (Jack) Wildenberg, Angie Balza, Amy (Bob) Szilagyi, Dan (Deb) Balza, Tom (Mary) Balza, Linda (Mike) Samsa, Jeff (Sandy) Vandeyacht; twelve great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law: Herbert (Marie) Powell and Eugene (Muriel) Powell, all of Kaukauna; two sisters-in-law: Tootie Powell of Green Bay and Doris Powell of Menomonee Falls. LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Lucille in 1984; a daughter Dorothy (Al) Krohn; a granddaughter Terre Vandeyacht; a great-grandson Brandon Birkholz; a brother Lloyd (Rose) Balza; sisters Blossom (Al) Gustafson and Phyllis (Herman) Voss; a half-brother Henry (Marie) Besaw; a special sister-in-law Agnes Martzahl as well as several other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The funeral liturgy for LeRoy will be held at 4:00 PM on Monday, February 9, 2004 at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 119 W. 7th Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Robert Udulutsch, OFM Cap. officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Monday from 1:00 PM until the hour of the service. A memorial fund has been established in LeRoy’s name.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the entire staff at St. Paul Elder Services for the wonderful care LeRoy received. You cared for him as though he was your very own – thank you so very much.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200