James Edward Balek, 83, died Saturday, June 14, at Muse-Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.  Funeral service will be Thursday, June 19, 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Mason City, with Monsignor John W. Hemann officiating.  Visitation will be Wednesday 4 - 7 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City.  A scriptural wake service will be at 7p.m.  Military Honors will be provided by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association.
 
    James Edward Balek was born September 20, 1924 in Mason City, the son of Joseph and Jennie (Brown) Balek.  James was the 9th child of 11.  James attended and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School.  Following graduation he entered the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Europe during WWII.  James married Vivian Ruth Logeman September 30, 1949 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  They resided in Mason City, where he worked for Pacific Gamble Robinson as foreman until his retirement in 1987.  Following his “retirement” he went back to work part time for the same company and also learned to play farmer, to drive a tractor and do field work for his son.
 
    Jim, like his father, had several passions, one being totally devoted to his family and another being an avid fisherman.
 
    Jim is survived by the love of  his life, wife Vivian Balek, Mason City, and his other passions, his kids. Ron and wife Sheila Balek, Manly, Deanna and husband Ed Harris, Rockford, Fred Balek, Mason City, special friend Donita Roben, Rockwell, and Ted Balek, Mt. Pleasant;  grandkids James Thomas and wife Debbie Balek, Amy Marie Balek, Matthew James Balek and Jessica Michelle Balek; great-grandkids, Jackson and Joey Balek; special niece Karen Fedderson, Charles City; brothers Walter and wife Cathryn Balek, Edina, Minn., Bob Balek, Mason City, sister Betty Wellington, Mesa, Ariz. and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
 
    Jim was preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters Anna Hoselton, Vi Bernemann, Carrie Riley, Lillian Wellington and Helen Buffington and two brothers Joseph Balek and Leonard Balek.

    Memorials may be given to Hospice of North Iowa.
 
    Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels, 126 3rd St. NE., Mason City, IA 50401 (641)423-2372      www.colonialchapels.com