Evelyn G. Balko

Evelyn Goldie (DeGarmo) Balko died Monday, August 1, 2011 at the age of eighty-eight.  She was born on October 16, 1922 to Evon and Rosa (Austin) DeGarmo in Ishpeming, Michigan and later moved to Diffin, Michigan.  She was the oldest and longest living of her three sisters and two brothers.  Evelyn married Norman H. Balko on August 2, 1947.  Together they had four sons:  Norman E., George C., Robert D. and Brian L. Balko.  Evelyn graduated from Trenary High School as Valedictorian of her Class of 1941.  She attended Northern Michigan University where she earned her teaching degree.  Evelyn taught school in the old Wetmore School and substitute taught at Lincoln School in Munising.  She worked various jobs including as a cook at logging camps, worked at the Munising Woodenware, Atlas Plywood, Superior Foliage, Brazier's Hospital in Munising and her main career  was a Social Worker at The Michigan Department of Social Services from June 23, 1963 to January 11, 1985 in Munising the position that she held until retiring in 1985.

She is survived by her four sons and daughters-in-law - Norman and Linda Balko of 16 Mile Lake Road, Munising, George and Anne Balko of Wetmore, Robert and Selina Balko of Wetmore and Brian and Carolyn Balko of Auburn, MA; grandchildren - Mark (Lisa) Balko, Scott (Lori) Balko, Steven Balko, Sheila Balko (Rick Bonevelle), Norman (Sara) Balko, Suzanne Balko and Curtis (Kelly) Balko; great-grandchildren - Tyler Balko, Ashley DeLisle, Madison Balko, Evan Balko, Samantha Balko, Harry Balko, Lilly Balko and Lukas Kreer; brothers-in-law - William Balko, Donald (Janet) Miron, and Allen Miron; sisters-in-law - Anita Hase and Jean (Harold) Johns; and several nieces and nephews.  Preceding her in death was her husband of twenty-six years, Norman H. Balko; her father Evon DeGarmo; mother Rosa (Austin) DeGarmo; her step-father Charles DeGarmo; her sisters Itanna DeGarmo, Ruth (William) Balko and Thelma (Donald) Pepin, her brothers Kenneth DeGarmo and Arthur (Mary) DeGarmo; mother-in-law Emma (Olson) Miron, father-in-law William Balko; step-father-in-law Gordon Miron, Sr, brother-in-law Gordon Miron and sister-in-law Harriet (Balko) Fitzgerald.

Evelyn was a member of the Alger County Historical Society and The Wetmore Community Club.  She was selected to the Alger County Women's Roll of Honor.  She was nominated for her devotion to people.  Evelyn could always be counted on and was a life long social worker.  She was an active member of Eden Lutheran Church, where she served on the Church Council, Worship Committee, Evangelism Committee, and she was a Bethel Bible Study Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Weekday Church Teacher, Confirmation Class Teacher, as well as serving on several committees.  Evelyn was a trained Stephens Minister where she ministered to shut-in church members that were unable to attend church.  She was a faithful Christian and shared her faith and resources with others.  Evelyn was also instrumental in starting the Ecumenical Campground Services during the summer.  She enjoyed reading many books, camping and loved cats, dogs, watching birds and family gatherings around food and conversation.  Her coffee pot was always on and everyone was welcome.  Evelyn loved people, animals and nature and is remembered as a kind person with a big heart.  She will be missed by all, but our loss is heaven's gain as she rests in the arms of her Lord.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Bowerman Funeral Home.  Pastor Elisabeth Zant will conduct Evelyn's funeral on Thursday, August 11, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eden Lutheran Church in Munising.  Interment will be at the Munising Township Cemetery in Wetmore. Evelyn will be escorted by her grandchildren Curtis, Mark, Scott, Norman John, Tyler, Steven, and Sheila Balko, and Ashley DeLisle. Memorials in her honor can be made to The Alger County Animal Shelter, Eden Lutheran Church or The Alger County Historical Society.