Dorothy Alvina Balken

Dorothy Alvina Balken, age 89, of Motley, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2023, at Lakewood Care Center. Dorothy was born during the Great Depression to farmers, Clarence Irven Henry & Esther Mae Downing in Battle Lake, Minnesota on February 27, 1935.

She married Gordon Balken in 1956, eventually settling with their family in Pine River, MN, where they built their home and legacy.

Throughout Dorothy’s life, she carried with her an adventurous, creative spirit and unshakable resiliency and grace. She was a masterful stained glass artist and gardener, who enjoyed fishing trips with her family and friends, hosting family gatherings, garage sales, cooking, card games, good books and afternoon soap operas. She was known for her smile and kind laugh, and brought a calm, happy presence with her everywhere she went, even through life’s hardships. Dorothy was an avid bingo player and loved winning gifts for her great granddaughter Isla. She was always busy, creating or trying new things, even zip-lining at age 80!

She was a beloved friend to many and a beacon of strength and love for her family. Her memory will be cherished by her children, Gordon (Angie) Balken, of Concord, NC, and Eva (Bruce) Haber of Motley, MN; grandchildren Aaron (Melany) Haber, Sarah (Jake Wilson) Powers and Megan (Paul Williams) Haber; great-grandchildren Ethan Haber and Isla Williams; brother, Duane Henry, and many more family and friends.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents and husband; sister, Ilene Hanson and brothers, Lyle and Gene Henry; daughter, Deborah Finney; son-in-law, Daniel Finney and daughter-in-law, Maria Balken; and grandson, Bryant Finney.

A memorial service for Dorothy will be held at Taylor Funeral Home,102 6th Street, Staples, Minnesota, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 11AM Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 1PM at Hammar Cemetery in Rothsay.