Harold Gustav Balko

Harold Gustav Balko Born July 5, 1919. A gentleman of the Greatest Generation passed away on February 21, 2014. Harold served 5 years overseas with the 125th Field Artillery during WWII. Among other things, he earned a Puple Heart, but we know he had a heart of gold. Harold leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Marie; daughters, Linda Balko and Susan Trosvig; granddaughters, Victoria Balko and Maria Walker; great-grandchildren, Camila Balko-Hatfield, Richard Walker III, Marlin Parks and Olivia Walker. Funeral service Friday, February 28 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at CAlvary Lutheran Church, 7520 Golden Valley Road. We wish to thank the Colonial Acres Staff for the professional, loving care and concern given to Harold and his family. Memorials preferred to the Heart Association or donor's choice. Interment Fort Snelling at a later date. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 HAROLD GUSTAVE BALKO Harold Gustave Balko, 94, of Golden Valley, Minnesota, passed away February 21, 2014. He was born on July 5, 1919 in Almena, Wisconsin, the son of Gustave and Bertha (Lueck) Balko. When he was seven, his family moved to a farm near Blackduck, Minnesota. He attended school until he was fifteen. At that time he decided to work in a lumber camp and send the money home for his family. He also worked in the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) program at Camp Rabideau. In 1940 he joined the Army’s 125th Field Artillery (Red Bulls) and served in the European Theater until 1945. During that time he was decorated several times and was awarded a Purple Heart. On leave in 1944, Harold and Marie were married in Duluth. In 1950 he went to work for Texaco as a truck driver and 27 years later retired as the Superintendent of the Texaco River Terminal in St. Paul. His other jobs are too numerous to mention. Harold could fix or make anything he set his mind to, but he was especially talented with woodworking. One of Harold’s dreams as a kid was to fly and that became a reality in 1971. As someone said the other day – when you saw Harold walking, you either knew him or wanted to know him. He had a smile for everyone. Harold is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marie; daughters, Linda and Susan; granddaughters, Victoria and Maria; great-grandchildren, Camila, Richard, Marlin and Olivia; a niece raised as a sister, Phyllis Balko; as well as other relatives. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Ted; sisters, Margaret Holt, Evelyn Thompson and Leona Krocka; and a nephew raised as a brother, Clifford Holt. Harold was the only one in his family to reach the age of 90.

Tributes

Harold Gustav Balko

July 5, 1919 - February 21, 2014

Tributes

Harold Gustav Balko

July 5, 1919 - February 21, 2014

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