Rose Marie Balk

Rose "Peg" Balk passed away peacefully on October 11th, 2018 at the age of 89 in Rochester, Minnesota. She was born in Emery, South Dakota to William and Hilda (Knorr) Driscoll on March 4th 1929. She attended grammar school in Emery and during the early years of WWII her family moved to Long Beach, California. After the death of her father the family resided in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In Sioux Falls she attended St. Joseph's Cathedral High School. She graduated from there in 1947, and later that year she was employed as a secretary for a Stockyard's office in Sioux Falls.
On August 7th , 1948 she married Max Balk at St. Joseph's Cathedral Church in Sioux Falls. In 1955 they moved to Brandon, South Dakota and then in 1969 the family relocated to Red Wing, Minnesota. After Max died in 2006 she lived in Red Wing until her need for assisted living and hospice.
Peg loved the City of Red Wing, as in the song her mother used to play on the piano,
Pretty Red Wing. She also had many other passions and enjoyments. Duplicate bridge was a great favorite and she almost earned enough points for a rank of Life Master. Another card game and atmosphere she considered fun, whether it be in Las Vegas or at Treasure Island in Red Wing, was Black Jack. Peg just had an affinity for card games. In addition she liked to visit new places like England, Germany, Italy and even Aruba. Other interests that intrigued her were painting (especially flowers), bowling, interior decorating, antiques, crocheting, movies, music, fashion, dining, good friends and most importantly life.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Max Joseph Balk, her son Joseph Balk, who died in 1999; four brothers and two sisters.
Peg is survived by two daughters: Sandra (Donald) Hormel, Terry Jean (Timothy) Jacobs, one son James Balk, three grandsons: Jeremiah Hormel, Rhett and Beau Jacobs, favorite niece: Barbara (Driscoll) Nugent, sister-in-law: Bonnie (Harold) Driscoll. A heart felt thank you goes out to special friends Rich and Mavis Flack, Jane Baker, and Brenda Jablonski for all of their caring support.
Peg's wishes were to return to South Dakota and be buried alongside her husband. A private service will be held on October 20th with the family at St. Martin's Cemetery in Emery, SD. Online condolences are welcome and may be shared at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.