Florence Balvin

Florence Louise Balvin, 91, of Chelsea, IA, passed away July 24, 2024, at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chelsea. Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Chelsea.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31st at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service with Rosary at 4:30 p.m.

Florence was born May 18, 1933, to Louis and Lucille (Plesek) Kalinay in Richland Township, west of Chelsea. She attended St. Joseph’s Catholic school. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1951, second in her class. She played basketball for the Chelsea Red Hawks in high school.

Following school, Florence did bookkeeping in Cedar Rapids. She met Leonard Balvin while attending local dances, they fell in love and married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on June 23, 1953. After living in Cedar Rapids for a short time they returned back to the Chelsea area where they raised their 11 children.

Together with Leonard, they enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing, her rose garden, hummingbirds, polka dancing and traveling.

Mom was a big sports fan attending her children and grandchildren’s athletic events. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Cubs fan. She enjoyed watching Iowa football and basketball. While sewing she spent numerous hours listening to Cubs games. She was very excited when the Cubs won the World Series.

Mom was a talented seamstress making baptismal gowns, 1st communion dresses, and clothing for her children and grandchildren, as well as many blankets and baby dolls. She was a great cook and baker; kolaches and chocolate cake were specialties.

Mom lived life to the fullest while devoting herself to her family. She was strong in her faith as a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Altar and Rosary Society, National Catholic Society of Foresters and the American Legion Auxiliary.

She is survived by her sons: Larry (Janet), of Chelsea, Randy (Diane), of Hartwick, Jerry (Val), of Chelsea, Dan (Denise), of Belle Plaine, Jason (Kelly), Aaron (Melissa), both of Chelsea; daughters: Ellen (Tom) Upah, Jamie (Paul) Kupka, Sally Slaven, all

of Chelsea; daughter-in-law, Colleen Balvin, of Elberon; 25 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and sister, Verna (Warren) Brush; sister-in-law, Jo Balvin.

Florence is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard (2022); sons, Steve and Joe; son-in-law, Steve Slaven; grandchildren: Tianna Purk, Joseph Jr. Balvin, Erik Upah; brothers: Raymond “Bud”, Larry and Roger Kalinay; and sister, Evelyn Ryan.

The family wishes to thank the Staff at the Iowa Veterans Home for their exceptional care.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com