Joseph “Joe” Balk

Joseph “Joe” Patrick Balk, age 72, was born on September 6, 1950, in Worthington, MN, the son of Leo and Marie (Maroney) Balk. Joe graduated from Worthington Senior High School in 1969 and then attended Pipestone Vocational School where he studied merchandising.

Joe later enlisted in the United States Army and was a 20 year member of the 452nd General Supply Company of the United States Army Reserves. He served with the unit as a Sergeant E5 when it was activated and deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1991 during Operation Desert Shield.

Joe worked for Toro and Rickbeils. He was married to Linda Harms and they later divorced.

Joe had a strong interest in cars from the time he was a little boy, and then as an adult, knew everything there was to know about every make and model. The interest never left him!

Joe was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous where he formed friendships which he valued tremendously.

Joe passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023, at his residence in Worthington, MN.

Joe is survived by his siblings, Marjorie (Jerry) Tiritilli of Worthington, MN, Mary Kutzbach of Worthington, MN, and Michael (Ardy) Balk of Worthington, MN; nephew, Adam (Maria) Kutzbach, and great niece and great nephew, Sydney and Hudson Kutzbach, and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by memorial services at 2:00 p.m., at the Benson Funeral Home in Worthington, MN, with Deacon Vern Behrends officiating.

Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.