Francis L. "Frank" Balkenbush, 86, of Springfield died at 10:55 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2015, at St. John's Hospice.
Cremation was accorded by Lincoln Land Cremation Society in Springfield. The family will host a memorial gathering from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springfield. A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m.
Mr. Balkenbush was born on Feb. 6, 1929, in Overland, MO, the son of the late William and Veronica (Rauschenbach) Balkenbush. He married Rosemary Shea on Dec. 1, 1973, in St. Louis County, and she survives in Springfield.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1946-1950, including service in China. He retired after 20 years as a firefighter with St. Louis County. He then worked for nine years with Pipefitters Local #562 in St. Louis.
Mr. Balkenbush was a past member of Pasfield Men's Golf Club and Springfield Seniors Golf Club.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Paul (wife Bridget) Balkenbush of Florissant, MO, William Balkenbush of Arizona, David Balkenbush of Maryland Heights, MO, and Donald (wife Carol) Balkenbush of Donnellson; two siblings, Melba (wife Charles) Hatchard of Oregon and Alois (wife Catherine) Balkenbush of Maryland Heights, MO; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Michael; his first wife, Elaine Stumpf; one sister, Vera Skillington; and three brothers, William, Adrian and Leo Balkenbush.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL, 62702, or a charity of the donor's choice.
